£85,409.84 - £99,011.19
Locations: Commonwealth House, 38 Albion Street Glasgow G1 1L
Ref: GLA15417
We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and that starts with the people who work here.
Glasgow Life is a charity like no other. Our vision is to improve the lives of everyone in our city. To help us achieve that, we are looking for a Head of Sport & Physical Activity to join our senior management team.
Bursting with energy, purpose and community spirit, Glasgow is a city where sport, wellbeing, culture and learning are core elements of everyday life. At the heart of this vibrancy is Glasgow Life, one of Scotland’s largest charities, dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through sport, physical activity, culture and learning.
Our work is deeply rooted throughout Glasgow. We manage and animate a wide portfolio of sports facilities, events, museums, libraries, community venues and programmes to offer meaningful access to education, health and personal growth to everyone.
These services deliver impact and tackle inequality, improve mental and physical health and strengthen civic participation. Whether supporting young people through sport and learning, promoting active lifestyles through inclusive fitness programmes, or providing vital access to reading and digital services in libraries, we are focused on delivering for Glasgow’s people and places.
Our passionate colleagues and volunteers support and inspire people across Glasgow to access the experiences that matter most to them.
If you’re excited by the idea of being part of that, this could be the job for you.
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.
We’re looking for:
A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Proven track record of strategic leadership in a senior role, with the ability to lead large, multidisciplinary 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 represent 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 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
Further information and applications
Hours: 35 per week.
Salary: £85,409 - £99,011 per annum.
Contract type: Permanent
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.
Closing date is 11.59pm on Sunday 28th June 2026