The Role
Leads the safe, efficient operation of resort sports facilities and fairground attractions. Oversees guest experience, safety compliance, staffing, training, schedules, equipment maintenance, incident investigations, budgets, revenue, and operational KPIs. Works with entertainment, retail, and food and beverage teams to increase engagement and commercial performance while building an inclusive, high-performing seasonal workforce.
Summary Generated by Built In
To lead the safe, efficient and engaging delivery of all sports, leisure and fairground activities across the resort. The Sports & Fairground Manager will ensure an outstanding guest experience, strong commercial performance, and full compliance with safety and operational standards, while developing a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest satisfaction scores and feedback (NPS)
- Safety compliance and incident rates
- Revenue and participation levels
- Labour and cost control of the P&L
- Team engagement and retention
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Operations & Guest Experience
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of all sports facilities and fairground attractions.
- Ensure activities and rides open on time, are fully staffed and meet quality standards.
- Deliver a safe, fun and inclusive guest experience for all ages and abilities.
- Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements to enhance satisfaction.
- Work collaboratively with entertainment, retail and food & beverage teams to maximise guest engagement and spend.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain full compliance with ride safety regulations, leisure safety standards and company policies.
- Ensure daily ride and equipment inspections are completed and documented.
- Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
- Manage risk assessments, safe systems of work and emergency procedures.
- Ensure all team members are trained and competent in safety procedures and guest safeguarding.
People Leadership
- Recruit, induct, train and develop sports and fairground team members.
- Create rotas that balance operational need, budget and guest demand.
- Lead by example to create a positive, inclusive and high-energy culture.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching and disciplinary processes where required.
- Drive team engagement and retention, particularly across seasonal teams.
Commercial Performance
- Manage labour and operational costs in line with budget.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue through activity programming, upselling and events.
- Monitor KPIs including guest satisfaction, participation levels, revenue and staffing costs.
- Support promotional activity and peak trading periods.
Planning & Organisation
- Plan activity schedules and fairground operation around occupancy, weather and demand.
- Ensure equipment and ride maintenance is scheduled and completed.
- Manage stock and equipment ordering within budget.
- Support peak periods, special events and school holiday programmes.
About
Did you know Billy Butlin was the first person to introduce dodgems to the UK? That's right, 'fun' is in our DNA, and we've been delighting guests for almost 90 years. Ask any of our team, past and present, and one of the best things they'll say about working at Butlin's is our culture.As The Home of Entertainment, we pull out all the stops to provide our guests with an 'Altogether More Entertaining and Fun Break', from all-action family holidays to adult-only Big Weekenders, brought to life through our three mighty values. So, if you're looking for a role where you can Create Smiles, where you aren't afraid to Get Stuck In and where the team genuinely Care For Each Other, we think you'll fit right in!
Skills Required
- Experience overseeing sports facilities, leisure activities, fairground attractions, or comparable guest-facing operations
- Knowledge of ride safety, leisure safety standards, risk assessments, safe systems of work, and emergency procedures
- Experience recruiting, training, coaching, and managing operational teams
- Ability to manage rotas, labour costs, operational budgets, and P&L performance
- Ability to monitor guest satisfaction, participation, revenue, staffing, and safety KPIs
- Ability to manage incident investigations, corrective actions, inspections, and equipment maintenance schedules
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The Company
What We Do
Butlin's is a prominent British holiday company established in 1936, renowned for providing family-focused seaside holidays and short breaks. Operating three major resorts in Minehead, Skegness, and Bognor Regis, the company offers a wide range of entertainment, activities, and accommodation options. With over 4,000 employees, Butlin's is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for millions of guests, maintaining its legacy as a leader in the UK staycation market.
