General Manager

Active Life is a community-focused charity dedicated to improving health, wellbeing, and quality of life through accessible leisure, fitness, and community services. We are looking for an exceptional General Manager to lead our operations, inspire our teams, and help shape the future of our organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operational leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding services that have a genuine impact on people's lives.

As General Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across our facilities, programmes, and people. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will play a pivotal role in driving performance, ensuring excellent customer experiences, maintaining compliance, and supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of Active Life.

What You'll Be Doing

You will:

Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of Active Life's services, facilities, and programmes.

Develop and motivate high-performing teams, creating a positive and inclusive culture.

Ensure the delivery of excellent customer service and community engagement.

Manage operational budgets and contribute to the financial sustainability of the organisation.

Drive continuous improvement and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

Ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements.

Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, partners, stakeholders, and community groups.

Support the delivery of organisational strategy and business objectives.

Monitor performance, analyse data, and implement actions that improve operational effectiveness.

Champion Active Life's values and commitment to improving community wellbeing.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with strong operational leadership.

You will have:

Significant experience in a senior management or operational leadership role.

Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams.

Experience managing budgets and delivering services against financial and operational targets.

Strong knowledge of health and safety, compliance, and risk management.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Experience driving service improvement and operational performance.

Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

A customer-focused approach and commitment to high-quality service delivery.

A passion for community impact and improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

Experience with in the leisure, fitness, sport, health, wellbeing, or charity sector.

Experience managing multi-site operations.

Knowledge of safeguarding practices within community services.

Experience working with local authorities, commissioning bodies, or community partners.

Experience leading organisational change and growth initiatives.

Why Join Active Life?

At Active Life, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You'll join a supportive and purpose-driven organisation where your leadership will directly contribute to healthier, happier communities.

In return, we offer:

A rewarding leadership role with real community impact.

Opportunities for professional development and growth.

A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

The chance to drive innovation and help shape the future of Active Life.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company:
Active Life Ltd

Salary: £35,000

Hours:

Full-time

Location:

Herne Bay, CT6 5NX

Working pattern:
On-site

Job type:
Permanent

Posting date: 5 Aug 2026

Closing date: 4 Sept 2026

General Manager - Active Life

Location:

Active Life, Herne Bay

Salary:
Up to £35K

Contract:

Full Time, Permanent

Lead. Inspire. Make a Difference.

Active Life is a community-focused charity dedicated to improving health, wellbeing, and quality of life through accessible leisure, fitness, and community services. We are looking for an exceptional General Manager to lead our operations, inspire our teams, and help shape the future of our organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operational leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding services that have a genuine impact on people's lives.

As General Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across our facilities, programmes, and people. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will play a pivotal role in driving performance, ensuring excellent customer experiences, maintaining compliance, and supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of Active Life.

What You'll Be Doing

You will:

Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of Active Life's services, facilities, and programmes.

Develop and motivate high-performing teams, creating a positive and inclusive culture.

Ensure the delivery of excellent customer service and community engagement.

Manage operational budgets and contribute to the…