General Manager

Organisation

Coggeshall Community Sports Association

Salary

£37849 pro rata equivalent

Location

Coggeshall, Essex (Flexible and Hybrid options available)

Contract type

Permanent (Part time)

Closing date

4 August 2026

Interview date

10 August 2026

Job Description

Job Description – General Manager
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Direct reports: 9 (Assistant Manager Pool Plant; Swimming Teachers; Receptionists; Finance/Admin and Fundraising/Communications)

Purpose of the Role
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day management of the charity and its community swimming pool. The postholder will ensure the organisation operates safely, efficiently and sustainably while delivering an excellent experience for customers and maintaining high standards of governance, compliance and community engagement.
Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the General Manager will lead staff and volunteers, oversee operational performance, manage budgets and resources, and support the long-term success of the charity.

Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership and People Management
• Lead, motivate and develop staff and volunteers: including recruitment, induction, training, supervision, appraisals and performance reviews.
• Set clear expectations and manage performance fairly and consistently, resolving workplace conflict and managing difficult conversations professionally.
• Identify training and development opportunities to support both staff/volunteer progression and organisational needs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and customer-focused organisational culture.
• Plan staffing rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained to support safe and effective operations.
• Ensure employment records, contracts and personnel documentation are accurate and up to date including DBS checks, right to work checks, qualifications and certifications.

2. Operations
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the swimming pool facility.
• Deliver the charity's strategic objectives through effective operational management.
• Monitor and improve operational processes and service quality.
• Ensure the facility remains clean, safe, welcoming and well maintained.
• Manage the swimming pool programme and timetable to ensure safe and effective day-to-day pool operations. Maximising community use while ensuring compliance with the Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP) and agreed capacity limits, working closely with the Assistant Manager - Pool Plant.
• Oversee public swimming sessions, private hire bookings and booking systems.
• Ensure appropriate staffing arrangements are in place for all programmed activities.
• Ensure appropriate insurance policies are maintained and renewed.

3. Customer Service
• Promote excellent customer service across the organisation.
• Respond promptly and professionally to enquiries, complaints and operational issues.
• Continually improve the visitor experience.

4. Health, Safety and Safeguarding
• Lead health and safety compliance across the organisation.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Maintain (or obtain) a Level 3 Safeguarding qualification.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are implemented and understood across the organisation.
• Oversee risk assessments, incident reporting and statutory compliance.

5. Facilities and Contractors
• Co-ordinate and oversee maintenance of the pool, plant and facilities.
• Manage contractors and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with legal and operational standards.
• Oversee procurement of equipment, uniforms and operational supplies.
• Maintain an up-to-date fixed asset register.
• Liaise with external suppliers and contractors to ensure value for money and high-quality service delivery.

6. Financial Management
• Manage operational budgets, monitoring income and expenditure.
• Develop and support additional income generation and financial sustainability.
• Provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees.
• Authorise routine operational expenditure.

7. Community and Partnerships
• Build relationships with funders, schools, community groups and partner organisations.
• Represent the charity at meetings and community events.
• Support initiatives and projects that increase participation and benefit the community.
• Provide timely and accurate operational information to support the charity's communications, marketing, fundraising and grant applications, working closely with colleagues to promote the charity's impact and activities.

8. Governance and Administration
• Attend Board of Trustee meetings as required, acting as the primary operational link between trustees, staff and volunteers.
• Prepare operational reports, performance updates and recommendations.
• Maintain and regularly review organisational policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Ensure policies are communicated effectively and implemented across the organisation.
• Liaise with IT providers to ensure appropriate systems, equipment and user access are maintained.
• Oversee payroll administration, pensions and associated documentation, working with the charity's accountants.
• Maintain accurate organisational records and ensure compliance with employment and data protection requirements.

Person Specification
Essential
• Proven experience leading and developing teams including managing performance and resolving workplace conflict.
• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Experience managing operations within a charity, leisure, hospitality, retail or similar environment.
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise multiple competing priorities.
• Confident using digital systems and learning new software.
• Budget management experience.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Willingness to obtain a Level 3 Safeguarding qualification if not already held.
• Strong customer service focus.


Desirable
• Good working knowledge of Google Workspace.
• Experience of HR administration including recruitment, employment records and payroll processes.
• National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ).
• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or equivalent.
• Swimming teaching qualification/s (STA, Swim England or equivalent).
• Pool Plant Operator Certificate.
• First Aid at Work qualification.
• Experience working with charities or voluntary organisations.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Demonstrates a passion for swimming and/or the wider health and leisure industry.

This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not an exhaustive list. The postholder will be expected to undertake other duties that are reasonably required and are commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post. The duties and responsibilities of the role may be reviewed and amended from time to time in consultation with the postholder to reflect the changing needs of the charity.
If you are an experienced people manager who enjoys developing a team, improving how things work and taking ownership of a varied operational role within a community-focused organisation, we would love to hear from you.

If you have excellent leadership and people management skills but don't meet every desirable qualification, we still encourage you to apply. We are committed to supporting the successful candidate through training and professional development where appropriate.

How to apply

General Manager (Part-Time) Location: Coggeshall (Hybrid) Salary: £37.849 Pro rata equivalent Hours: Part-time, flexible (including some evenings and weekends). Minimum 16hrs/week. Additional paid hours may be available for candidates with swimming teaching and/or lifeguarding qualifications. Working Pattern: We are open to discussing flexible and hybrid working arrangements. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a regular on-site presence and work flexibly to meet the operational needs of the charity. Lead a much-loved community charity Are you an experienced people and task manager looking for a rewarding leadership role where you can make a real difference? We are looking for an enthusiastic and capable General Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our community swimming pool. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine strong operational leadership with the chance to support a valued local charity that improves the health and wellbeing of people of all ages. As General Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the pool is safe, welcoming and financially sustainable while leading a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Working closely with our Board of Trustees, you will champion the charity’s strategic objectives and translate them into effective day-to-day operations, also helping to shape future development. You must be confident leading and motivating a diverse team, managing performance fairly and consistently, resolving challenges positively and creating a culture where people feel valued, supported and accountable. You will oversee all aspects of the charity's operations including, customer experience, financial management, facilities and contractor management, staffing and community engagement, health and safety and safeguarding. As the charity's Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will ensure safeguarding remains central to everything we do. We welcome applications from candidates with leadership experience gained in the charity, leisure, hospitality, retail, education or commercial sectors. If you have a proven track record of leading people, managing operations and delivering excellent customer service, we'd love to hear from you. We are looking for someone with: • Exceptional people leadership and team management skills including confidence managing performance, supporting staff development and handling difficult conversations. • Experience managing day-to-day operations, budgets and supporting longer-term financial planning and sustainability. • A commitment to outstanding customer service and community engagement. • Strong organisational, communication and decision-making skills. • The ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends. An Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role as well as a Level 3 Safeguarding qualification and National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ). These must be obtained following appointment if not already held. Other desirable qualifications include National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and Swimming Teacher Qualification/s. To apply please send a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability and experience in line with the key responsibilities as detailed in the Job Description. Applications should be sent via email to both: Kate Robertson, Interim Manager kate.r@coggeshallswimming.com And Lisa Calvert, Trustee lisa.c@coggeshallswimming.com by 11.59pm on Tuesday 4th August 2026

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