Head of Active Wellbeing

6 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The Head of Active Wellbeing is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of wellbeing and leisure services.

• This includes oversight of in-house leisure facilities, the delivery of strategic health and wellbeing objectives, and the development of key partnerships aimed at reducing health inequalities.

• The role is accountable for both service innovation and operational excellence, managing budgets, staff, and assets while ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and community engagement.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead the delivery of Active Wellbeing services aligned to organisational objectives and health equity goals.

• Drive transformation and service improvement across leisure and wellbeing programmes.

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with health bodies, community organisations, and regional stakeholders.

• Oversee the management of leisure facilities, including capital development projects and ongoing asset needs.

• Maximise income through commercial models, securing external funding and enhancing self-sustainability.

• Implement effective workforce planning, training, and performance management to build a high-performing team.

• Embed quality assurance systems to achieve service excellence and national accreditation.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and best practice across all sites and operations.

• Monitor and report on service performance, financial targets, and delivery against strategic plans.

• Deliver inclusive engagement strategies to involve residents and stakeholders in co-producing services.

Skills/Experience:

• Strong strategic planning and operational delivery experience in health, leisure, or wellbeing services.

• Proven ability to lead and inspire multi-disciplinary teams, driving change and high performance.

• Extensive knowledge of health inequalities and experience in commissioning or delivering targeted community programmes.

• Commercial acumen, including managing income-generating services and securing external funding.

• Demonstrable experience of partnership working across sectors, including health, voluntary, and local government.

• Skilled in developing and managing large-scale work programmes and complex projects.

• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills, particularly in high-pressure or political contexts.

• Understanding of quality frameworks (e.g. Quest) and commitment to continuous improvement in service standards.

• Strong financial management skills, including budget planning, monitoring, and reporting.

• Sound knowledge of health and safety responsibilities in a public sector or leisure environment.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 07/08/2025 @12:00.

• The post holder will oversee both frontline and back-office leisure and wellbeing services, with responsibility for multiple operational sites and upcoming facility expansions.