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.