Head of Activities General Manager

Head of Activities (General Manager)
Location: BN8 4EF, North Chailey
Salary: £45,000–£53,000
Vacancy Type: 37 hours per week, Full Time
We’re looking for a strategic, enterprising and values-driven leader to join us as Head of Activities (General Manager) leading The Activity Place and our sector-leading Specialist Services during an ambitious phase of growth.
The Activity Place is a vibrant community hub where adults with disabilities work out in an inclusive gym, unwind in sensory spaces, create art, explore music and build skills in new ways. Every session is shaped around individual interests — full of creativity, energy and connection.
This is a senior leadership role with real breadth and accountability. You’ll lead on delivery of specialist therapies, to both Chailey Heritage School and The Activity Place, including hydrotherapy, hippotherapy, rebound therapy and farm therapy, ensuring services are sustainable, inclusive and aligned to our long-term strategy.
You’ll grow The Activity Place, expand access, strengthen community connections and implement scalable systems that support high-quality delivery — balancing service growth with safeguarding and regulatory excellence.
What you’ll do
* Provide operational leadership and strategic direction
* Deliver growth and manage financial performance
* Lead and develop great managers and teams
* Drive service excellence, compliance and safety
* Champion strong partnerships and service visibility
About you
* Senior operational experience in leisure, community or service-driven sectors
* Commercial acumen with budget responsibility
* Confidence in regulated environments
* A leader who’s strategic, grounded and people-first
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who combines ambition with warmth — who understands that commercial success and social impact can, and should, sit side by side.
Why join us?
This is more than a leadership role. It’s an opportunity to shape services that lower barriers for children, young people, and adults with complex disabilities, supporting them as they explore, grow and thrive.
You’ll join a foundation with bold ambitions, strong values and a genuine culture of collaboration. We are passionate, curious and optimistic about what’s possible, we’re looking for someone who shares that outlook.
This role is an opportunity to be part of a supportive, purpose-driven organisation with ambitious plans for the future.
Alongside a competitive salary, we provide a comprehensive rewards and benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development and career progression.
* Enhanced Annual Leave 25–30 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
* Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support
* Enhanced Pension Scheme & Death In Service Benefit
* Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, and Paternity leave
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Retail and Leisure discounts
* Free onsite Parking, Café, and Kitchen Facilities
* Fully Funded level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading.
If you’re someone who enjoys building as much as leading, and can turn strategy into operational success, we’d love to hear from you.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Chailey Heritage Foundation, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Safeguarding Statement
Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment is subject to two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate, and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for a role in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.
Privacy Statement
As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data in line with GDPR. Please ensure you review our privacy policy before completing an application