Interim Head of Leisure Venues – “6-month fixed term”
Location Hertfordshire
Salary: £85,000 pro rata
Are you and experienced leader with strategic and operational experience in Leisure? Do you have experience managing high-profile visitor attractions? I am looking for a mix of operational and commercial experience because this role will focus on maintaining strong day-to-day performance while developing long-term plans to improve financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and future operating models.
Key Duties
- Provide overall leadership and accountability for two multi-site leisure venues.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations across both locations.
- Monitor performance, budgets, compliance, and operational risk.
- Lead and develop venue managers, building confidence and autonomy.
- Embed consistent management practices and operational standards.
- Develop medium- and long-term strategic plans for both venues.
- Lead budget planning and produce three-year financial forecasts.
- Identify income growth, cost-saving, and commercial improvement opportunities.
- Develop investment options and long-term asset management plans.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders.
- Deliver an options appraisal for future operating models, including outsourcing scenarios.
- Provide clear recommendations, business cases, and a transition plan.
Requirements
- Senior leadership experience in visitor attractions, leisure, cultural, heritage, or multi-site public-facing environments.
- Strong operational leadership across complex, multi-site operations.
- Proven commercial and financial management capability.
- Experience developing business plans, forecasts, and strategic plans.
- Knowledge of asset management and capital investment prioritisation.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
- Experience leading change, transformation, and service improvement.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
Experience Required
- Senior interim or permanent leadership background in comparable multi-site operations.
- Track record of improving performance, stability, and service standards.
- Experience managing budgets, forecasting, and investment planning.
- Exposure to operating model reviews, restructuring, or outsourcing options.
- Ability to work strategically while remaining hands-on and visible.
- Experience across public or private sector settings welcomed.
If you are available immediately and looking for a short-term project, email david@corecruitment.com for more information.