Contract Details
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade L. SCP 48 £61,103 – SCP 51 £67,924
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One
Assessment Date: w/c 13th July 2026
Role Overview
In Tameside, over 73,000 residents are not currently active enough. The Head of Leisure & Physical Activity will lead the council’s public leisure service and the wider physical activity agenda, providing strategic leadership within Public Health and across the council.
The role will manage the relationship with the independent leisure operator, support the Director of Public Health in leading the leisure service through review and transformation, and drive the Tameside Moving strategy as part of the broader public health agenda.
Key priorities include:
- Client management of the leisure service, ensuring effective partnership with the operator and council estates.
- Strategic leadership on the physical activity agenda, maximizing opportunities across partnerships.
- Driving change to reduce inequalities and barriers to active lifestyles for all residents.
- Collaboration with Public Health, Finance, Estates, NHS, voluntary, community, faith & social enterprise partners.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the strategic direction of leisure and physical activity within Tameside MBC and the wider council.
• Support the Director of Public Health in transforming the leisure service and delivering on the Moving strategy.
• Foster partnership working with the leisure operator, council departments and external agencies.
• Monitor and report on performance, ensuring best practice in facilities management and access for residents.
• Influence policy and practice to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for the borough.
About You
We are seeking a qualified professional with proven experience and knowledge of the leisure sector. Key attributes include:
- Experience in leisure service operations and client‑side relationship management.
- Strong problem‑solving, communication, political and negotiating skills.
- High intellectual rigour, senior‑level leadership capability, and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries.
- Energy and drive to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in Tameside.
- A passion for enabling movement and tackling unfair barriers to active living.
About Us
At Tameside, we are committed to ensuring all our citizens lead long, fulfilling and healthy lives, protecting our most vulnerable and creating strong, supportive communities. We value support, trust, respect, integrity, diversity and engagement.
Legal Information
This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We are not able to offer sponsorship.
This is a politically restricted post.
We are a disability confident employer. Reasonable adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Supporting Documents
Head of leisure and physical activity job description and person specification
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