- Newly developed, state-of-the art leisure centre
- Lead the successful launch and long-term sustainable operations
- Based in Sydney’s lower north shore
Based in Sydney's northern suburbs, Willoughby Leisure Centre (WLC) is undergoing a once-in-a-generation $65m upgrade to the pool hall, providing modern aquatic facilities, services and programmes to the community. WLC also features a health club with fully equipped gym and group fitness; and sports hall suitable for a wide range of court sports. The new pool hall is due to open mid-2026 and now requires an experienced leader to manage the facility and strategically drive both business performance and community outcomes.
Reporting to the Director Community, the Willoughby Leisure Centre Manager provides strategic, values-led leadership of Council’s leisure and aquatic portfolio.
Leading the successful launch and long-term evolution of the redeveloped Willoughby Leisure Centre, the role drives - the transition from construction to full operations, intentionally building the workforce, systems, processes and a strong safety-first, customer-centric culture. Beyond start-up, the Manager positions WLC as a leading leisure destination on Sydney’s lower north shore, delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving participation and loyalty, generating sustainable revenue, and embedding innovation and inclusion across all operations.
Managing an established multidisciplinary leadership team, the role calls for a positive outlook combined with strong, visionary leadership. The successful candidate will be adaptable and resilient, able to roll with the punches and lead confidently through change.
To be considered for this role you will have extensive experience in aquatics, health and fitness centres and the management of community programs, including strategy, policy and program development. You will have a strong track record in managing aquatic operations and asset management, with a demonstrated working knowledge of regulatory frameworks, compliance, risk and safety management. With strong commercial acumen, you will drive sales, marketing and business development, whilst successfully delivering against strategic objectives that benefit the community.
You will need to engage and develop positive relationships with a broad and complex range of stakeholders, including patrons, members, staff, Council and senior Council Executives. You will also have demonstrated success in business planning and operations, including budget and project management, whilst inspiring a customer service and safety focussed culture.
This is an incredible opportunity to establish a newly developed state-of-the art facility as an industry leader and drive the success of this once-in-a-generation project.
The Willoughby Leisure Centre Manager, Willoughby City Council search and recruitment process is being managed exclusively by Sportspeople Recruitment.
In the first instance general enquiries should be directed to Scott Oakhill on 0408 258 337, FREECALL AU 1800 634 388 or +61 2 9555 5000.
