Head of Sport & Physical Activity: Glasgow Life

Head of Sport & Physical Activity: Glasgow Life

Locations: Commonwealth House, 38 Albion Street Glasgow G1 1L

Ref: GLA15417

What you’ll do

As Head of Sport & Physical Activity, you’ll be a part of an established senior team, reporting to the Director of Libraries, Sport & Physical Activity and Communities. You will lead, inspire and challenge a multi‑disciplinary team to lead the operational delivery of leisure services across multiple facilities and teams, ensuring safe, effective and financially sustainable services while supporting Glasgow Life’s wider ambitions for participation, health improvement and community wellbeing.

You’ll oversee projects and transformational change, driving innovation, inclusion, financial sustainability, and service excellence. You’ll be the strategic adviser to the Senior Leadership team as subject matter expert in sport and physical activity, driving the organisation’s mission and long‑term goals.

Your work will make a visible and lasting difference.

Who you are

We’re looking for a strategic, inspiring and collaborative leader who brings energy, credibility and vision. You’ll have a deep understanding of how sport and physical activity improve lives.

You’ll bring strong business acumen, a people‑focused approach, and a commitment to delivering public value in a complex, high‑profile environment. You’ll be able to balance social impact with income generation and lead inclusively and authentically.

A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Proven track record of strategic leadership in a senior role, with the ability to lead large, multi‑disciplinary teams and deliver results within a complex culture and sport environment.

Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to manage diverse, high‑level stakeholder relationships.

Experience of influencing policy and representing Glasgow at a senior level across public, private, and third‑sector partners.

A strategic thinker and planner with a proven track record of using business judgment to develop long‑term growth strategies.

Strong financial and budget management skills with experience securing, managing, and growing income from diverse sources.

Experienced in leading projects and teams in complex, high‑pressure environments, demonstrating resilience, decisiveness, and effective prioritisation.

Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion work in sport and physical activity to address underrepresentation.

A personal and professional commitment to Glasgow Life’s values — demonstrated through inclusive, values‑led leadership.

Location: Hybrid. You will have the flexibility to spend part of your week at home, and part of your week in one of our offices.