A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen to create and implement a new future leisure services model in Liverpool as ‘Head of Leisure Transformation’.

The Lifestyles Service is a priority transformation project that will form an integral part of a new city-wide Neighbourhood Model. The new Head of Leisure Transformation role is a 3-year fixed post to coordinate and deliver one-time transformation project for Leisure. Development of robust service business plans and capital investment strategy for new build and re-purposed leisure facilities. 

We are seeking an experienced Head of Service to fundamentally re-shape how the current service looks and performs across all areas. The future operating model is yet to be determined – this will be led by you. You will design and drive a new approach to service delivery that not only mitigates financial challenges but delivers improved, measurable outcomes for the residents of the city; your work will align with the city’s recent review of Leisure, the emerging refresh of the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy and Sport England’s Navigating Local Systems project.

You will be a resilient, tenacious, and experienced Leisure professional who can hit the ground running to drive this transformation forward so that improved outcomes can be realised quickly for both residents and the Council. You will have senior level experience of the leisure industry with a track record of turning strategy into action, leading capital programmes and communicating, influencing, and collaborating with senior stakeholders, partners, and elected members, to drive your future vision onwards.

What you’ll bring:

• A visionary with the ability to hit the ground running and drive transformational change to meet Liverpool’s strategic and organisational goals
• A strong communicator who can inform and inspire colleagues, politicians, trade unions, stakeholders, and 3rd party partners
• A strategic problem solver with a track record of transformation and delivery in a large, city wide, organisation
• A leisure professional with exceptional programme management and leadership skills, with demonstrated experience of overseeing key transformation programs

To succeed in this role:

• You will have drive, determination, diplomacy, and flair with the ability to make things happen in an environment of organisational change and complexity
• You have strong leadership and communication skills - you can influence and translate complex information, so it works at all levels
• You are resilient and tenacious - you thrive under pressure and can focus and prioritise effectively in a changing and challenging environment
• You have experience in delivering transformational change within the leisure environment
• You can build effective relationships and can collaborate at all levels in the organisation
• You have integrity, you lead by example, and you go the extra mile when needed.

This is a key leadership role in the Neighbourhoods and Housing Directorate, and whilst you will be reporting directly to the Corporate Director, you will hold the ownership and autonomy for the transformation of this key service, so if you thrive on a challenge, if you are innovative, have solid business acumen, great people skills and are self-driven with an outstanding work ethic then we want to hear from you.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Mike Kearney by email: michael.kearney@liverpool.gov.uk or phone: 07740 918839.