We are seeking to appoint an experienced General Manager to take on a pivotal leadership position, responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational direction of the Centre, ensuring its continued growth, sustainability, and community impact.

The successful candidate will bring substantial senior management experience within a comparable sports or leisure environment, with a proven track record of delivering strategic objectives, managing complex operations, and leading high-performing teams. This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of a vibrant and ambitious organisation, committed to providing inclusive access to tennis, padel, and pickleball across all levels of the community.

As the senior leader of the Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre the General Manager holds ultimate responsibility for all Centre operations, programmes and staff performance. This includes direct line management of the Centre’s senior manager, including the Operations Manager and Programme Manager. The General Manager is the first point of call between the Operational team and the Board of Trustees.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The General Manager will be accountable for the strategic and operational leadership of Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre. Key responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

· Develop and implement the Centre’s long-term strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, ensuring alignment with the charity’s mission and values

· Lead the Centre’s business planning process, setting clear objectives, KPIs, and performance measures

· Identify and respond to emerging opportunities and risks in the wider sporting, funding, and policy landscape

· Promote innovation and continuous improvement across all aspects of the Centre’s delivery

Operational Management

· Provide high level overview and accountability for the Centre’s daily operations, delegated to the Operations team leads whilst ensuring high standards of facility presentation, safety, and customer experience

· Lead on all health and safety, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance, ensuring robust policies and procedures are maintained and followed

· Ensure that robust staffing rotas, systems, and operational workflows are in place to maximise efficiency and service quality and led by delegated managers.

· Oversee maintenance, capital improvement projects, and facility development planning

Financial Oversight

· Take responsibility for financial planning, budget management, forecasting, and reporting

· Ensure robust financial controls are in place and adhered to, in line with charity governance requirements

· Monitor income and expenditure across all departments, taking appropriate action to meet financial targets

· Set and oversee strategic income generation targets through coaching, court bookings, events, sponsorships, and grant funding and ensure delivery by the team

Team Leadership and HR

· Lead, manage, and develop a diverse team of staff, coaches, and volunteers

· Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance working culture

· Oversee recruitment, induction, training, and performance management processes

· Ensure appropriate staffing structures are in place to meet operational and strategic needs

· Provide leadership to the Centre’s senior management team, delegating operational responsibilities while ensuring strategic alignment across all departments

Programme Development

· Support the Programme Manager to design and deliver high-quality, inclusive programmes in tennis, padel, and pickleball

· Ensure that activities cater to a wide range of audiences, including juniors, adults, schools, and underrepresented groups

· Work closely with coaches and partners to ensure programming aligns with development goals and participation target

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

· Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, including governing bodies, local authorities, schools, funders, and community organisations

· Represent the Centre at local, regional, and national forums where appropriate

· Build and sustain effective relationships that enhance the Centre’s profile and strategic partnerships

· Oversee our marketing and communications functions to promote our activities and the impact of our work to the community and stakeholders.

· Serve as the Centre’s lead in all governance matters, advising the Board of Trustees and ensuring that senior management implements strategic and policy decisions effectively.

Governance and Reporting

· Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and decision-making

· Ensure that all charitable objectives, policies, and statutory responsibilities are met

· Maintain accurate records and ensure timely submission of reports to funders, regulators, and stakeholders as required

Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre, a charitable organisation, is the largest indoor tennis facility in Wales, and one of the largest in Great Britain. With 7 indoor and 5 outdoor tennis courts, 3 covered padel courts, and several pickleball courts, our charity provides tennis, padel and pickleball opportunities for individuals across North Wales and beyond.

Person Specification – Knowledge and Experience

Proven senior leadership experience in a comparable setting, such as a sports facility, leisure centre, or community venue with complex operational requirements | Essential

A strong track record of strategic planning and execution, ideally within a charitable or not-for-profit organisation | Essential

Extensive experience of financial management, including setting and managing budgets, financial reporting, and identifying income generation opportunities | Essential

A sound understanding of governance in the charitable or voluntary sector, including working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees or similar governing body | Desired

Demonstrable success in growing usage or participation and developing inclusive programmes across a range of user groups | Essential

Experience in leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams, including recruitment, training, performance management, and fostering staff development | Essential

Familiarity with funding landscapes, including grant applications, sponsorship development, and partnership funding models | Essential

A clear understanding of health and safety, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance in a public-facing facility | Essential

Experience of working with national governing bodies of sport, local authorities, or community partners | Essential

Knowledge of racquet sports (tennis, padel, pickleball) is advantageous but not essential | Desired

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

A strong, strategic mind-set with the ability to translate vision into clear operational plans and measurable outcomes | Essential

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels | Essential

A collaborative and motivational leadership style, capable of inspiring teams and creating a positive, inclusive working culture. Ability to balance strategic foresight with operational accountability through effective delegation. | Essential

Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise, delegate, and manage competing demands | Essential

High levels of financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to make informed decisions based on data and analysis | Essential

A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to respond to challenges with clarity and confidence | Essential

Personal resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement | Essential

A genuine passion for the role of community sport in promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and lifelong participation | Essential

Ability to speak and/or understand Welsh | Desired