Interim Head of Leisure Venues

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

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• Provide overall leadership and accountability for two multi-site leisure venues.
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• Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations across both locations.
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• Monitor performance, budgets, compliance, and operational risk.
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• Lead and develop venue managers, building confidence and autonomy.
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• Embed consistent management practices and operational standards.
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• Develop medium- and long-term strategic plans for both venues.
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• Lead budget planning and produce three-year financial forecasts.
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• Identify income growth, cost-saving, and commercial improvement opportunities.
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• Develop investment options and long-term asset management plans.
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• Work collaboratively with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders.
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• Deliver an options appraisal for future operating models, including outsourcing scenarios.
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• Provide clear recommendations, business cases, and a transition plan.
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Requirements

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• Senior leadership experience in visitor attractions, leisure, cultural, heritage, or multi-site public-facing environments.
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• Strong operational leadership across complex, multi-site operations.
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• Proven commercial and financial management capability.
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• Experience developing business plans, forecasts, and strategic plans.
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• Knowledge of asset management and capital investment prioritisation.
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• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
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• Experience leading change, transformation, and service improvement.
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• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
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Experience Required

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• Senior interim or permanent leadership background in comparable multi-site operations.
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• Track record of improving performance, stability, and service standards.
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• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, and investment planning.
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• Exposure to operating model reviews, restructuring, or outsourcing options.
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• Ability to work strategically while remaining hands-on and visible.
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• Experience across public or private sector settings welcomed.
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If you are available immediately and looking for a short-term project, email [email protected] for more information.