Club Manager, Southdown Sports Club

Location: Southdown Sports Club, Lewes, East Sussex
Reports to: Club Council
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hrs) to include evening and weekend as rota requires.

About Southdown Sports Club

Southdown Sports Club is one of Sussex's leading community sports clubs, located in the heart of Lewes. We provide high-quality facilities for tennis, squash, hockey, fitness and social activities to a thriving membership. As a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), we are run by an elected Club Council supported by dedicated volunteer sports committees.

We are entering an exciting new phase with the addition of two new padel courts and ongoing investment in our people, including expanding our team. We are looking for an enthusiastic and capable Club Manager to help lead the club's continued growth and development.

Purpose of the Role

The Club Manager is responsible for the overall management and smooth day-to-day operation of Southdown Sports Club. The postholder will lead the staff team, oversee facilities and services, report to the Club Council, drive membership growth and commercial opportunities, and ensure the club continues to provide excellent experience for members and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the club and its facilities.
• Lead, motivate, recruit and develop club staff
• Deliver an outstanding level of customer service to members and visitors.
• Oversee the clubhouse, café and bar operation in partnership with the Bar Lead.
• Coordinate maintenance programmes and contractors alongside the Groundsperson.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, safeguarding, licensing, employment and other relevant legislation.
• Maintain the club's policies, risk registers, and insurance arrangements.
• Act as the club's Safeguarding Lead and ensure appropriate First Aid provision across the site.
• Manage membership administration and act as Data Protection Officer
• Develop member communications through email, website, and social media.
• Drive membership growth, commercial income, and community engagement.
• Identify operational improvements and implement best practices.
• Manage operational budgets, monitor expenditure, and support financial planning. Develop KPIs, reporting regularly to the Club Council.
• Prepare papers for and attend monthly evening Council meetings and the AGM.
• Identify strategy for IT renewal for systems and website

• Previous experience managing a sports club/ sporting background, leisure facility, hospitality venue or customer-focused organisation.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well organised with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Demonstrate confidence and composure in delivering excellent customer service in a variety of situations
• Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to business development.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and membership or booking systems.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Enthusiasm for community sport
• Experience managing social media and digital marketing.
• Knowledge of CASC organisations or the voluntary sports sector.
• Experience of grant funding and partnership work.
• Familiarity with and appetite for IT development.

50K salary. Free club membership, 20 days annual holiday plus bank holidays.

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