Job description

Head of Leisure

Location: Newtownards / Bangor / Agile working
Salary: £68,637 - £72,260
Contract: Permanent

Closing date for applications - 10th October 2025

About the Role

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting Ards and North Down Borough Council in the appointment of a Head of Leisure.

This senior leadership role, within the Active and Healthy Communities Directorate, will oversee the delivery and development of Leisure Services, the Council's Leisure Strategy, and Sports Development. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring services are high-quality, accessible, and strategically aligned with the Council's Corporate Plan, while also leading on innovation and continuous improvement across the service area.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership across Leisure Services, the Council's Leisure Strategy, and Sports Development.
Develop and implement service strategies, business plans, and policies in line with corporate goals.
Oversee the effective management of budgets, facilities, and staff to ensure efficient and sustainable service delivery.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with community groups, sports bodies, and external agencies.
Advise senior management on policy, leisure, and sports development issues.
Represent the Council at committees, meetings, and external forums.
Drive innovation, customer focus, and continuous improvement across all leisure-related services.
Contribute to Community Planning and the Local Area Plan to ensure leisure provision supports borough-wide priorities.

Candidate Criteria

Essential:

Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area.
At least 3 years' senior management experience within a major, complex organisation in one or more of the following areas:

a) Leisure Services.

b) Leisure Strategy.

c) Sports Development.

Direct responsibility for:

Developing and implementing strategies and business plans.
Providing advice and guidance to senior management.
Successfully leading and managing teams.

Strong track record in financial, project, and change management.
Excellent stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and influencing skills.
ICT competence with the ability to adopt and exploit new technologies.
Access to transport to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Desirable:

Additional relevant professional qualifications.
Chartered membership of a relevant professional body.

For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan at VANRATH.