Culture and Leisure Services Manager

Chelmsford City Council are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to join us as our next Culture & Leisure Service Manager, shaping services that enhance quality of life, strengthen communities and contribute to the city's continued success.

Chelmsford is a vibrant and growing city with ambitious plans for culture, leisure and community wellbeing and this role will provide leadership across a diverse and high-profile portfolio that includes Chelmsford Theatre, our four Leisure Centres, Community Sport & Wellbeing services, and the future development of festivals and events. Working with experienced senior managers, you will drive innovation, service excellence, commercial performance and partnership working, ensuring our services continue to meet the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.

The services the successful applicant will lead:

• Manage some of Chelmsford's most valued cultural and leisure assets, including Chelmsford Theatre and our four leisure centres.
• Welcome approximately 1.8 million customer visits each year.
• Generate more than £8 million of annual income.
• Deliver a wide-ranging programme of Community Sport & Wellbeing initiatives.
• Support thousands of residents through health, physical activity, rehabilitation and inclusion programmes.

This is far more than an operational management role. It is an opportunity to influence how culture, sport and wellbeing contribute to healthier lives, stronger communities and a thriving local economy. You will play a key role in shaping Chelmsford's cultural offer, visitor appeal and sense of place, while ensuring our services remain innovative, financially sustainable and accessible to all.

You will bring significant leadership experience from culture, leisure, sport, wellbeing, events, visitor economy or a related service area. Commercially aware and politically astute, you will have a proven track record of delivering high-performing services, building successful partnerships and leading teams through change. Most importantly, you will share our passion for creating positive outcomes for residents and communities.

Interviews are currently scheduled for 8th and 12th October 2026.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role before applying, please contact Marc De’ath via marc.death@chelmsford.gov.uk (for applicants only).

Please note should sufficient applications be received prior to the closing date, we may close the role for applications early.

Chelmsford City Council is committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups and expects all employees to share this commitment and have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services. The Council's Safer Recruitment process contains pre-employment checks which includes safeguarding training, obtaining references and ensuring compliance with Disclosure and Barring Service process.

To view further details for this role including a job description, please click the link on the attachments section.