Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Organisation: The West Hants Club
Salary: Salary: £80k+ negotiable, dependent upon experience plus benefits package
Location: Bournemouth
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 17 April 2026
Interview date: 27 April 2026
Job Description: An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and visionary leader to become Chief Executive Officer of our thriving, charitable sports and leisure club. As we continue to grow our sporting and community impact, we are seeking a CEO who can provide strategic direction, operational excellence, and inspirational leadership.
The CEO will work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to deliver the Club’s long term vision, ensure financial sustainability, and maintain the highest standards of governance, member experience, and organisational culture.

About the Role
The CEO will be responsible for:
• Strategic leadership – shaping and delivering the Club’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our charitable objectives, values, and long term ambitions.
• Governance and compliance – supporting the Board with high quality information and advice, and ensuring adherence to Charity Commission requirements, safeguarding, health and safety, and ESG principles.
• Financial management – preparing budgets and forecasts, monitoring performance, and driving sustainable revenue growth through membership, partnerships, sponsorship, and commercial initiatives.
• Operational excellence – overseeing all Club facilities and services, ensuring a consistently high quality experience across racket sports, fitness, hospitality, and events.
• People and culture – leading and developing the Senior Management Team, fostering a positive, inclusive, member focused culture, and ensuring colleagues have clear objectives and development pathways.
• Partnerships and external relations – representing the Club to key partners including the LTA, BCP Council, schools, sponsors, and community groups, strengthening our reputation and impact.
• Reporting and accountability – providing timely, accurate reporting to Trustees on performance, risk, and progress against strategic priorities.

About You
We are looking for a leader with:
• Extensive senior leadership experience in a membership based sports, leisure, or hospitality organisation (ideally with charitable status).
• A strong track record in strategic planning, financial management, and operational delivery.
• Deep understanding of club operations, including racket sports, fitness, bar, and catering.
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees or similar governing body.
• Strong knowledge of compliance, safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and generate sponsorship or commercial income.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High integrity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire teams and manage change.
• Degree level education or equivalent professional experience; additional leadership or governance qualifications are desirable.

What We’re Looking For in a Leader
The successful candidate will be:
• A visible, values driven ambassador for the Club.
• Member and community focused, committed to inclusion and accessibility.
• Commercially astute with sound judgement and a strategic mindset.
• Collaborative, relationship driven, and able to work effectively with colleagues, Trustees, members, and partners.
• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement and excellence.
How to apply: How to Apply Please submit your CV and a covering statement outlining your suitability for the role and your vision for leading the Club into its next chapter to ceoapplications@westhants.co.uk (Interviews are scheduled to take place from 27th April until 8th May 2026).