The South East is a hub for the leisure and tourism industry, boasting a diverse range of opportunities—from the luxurious hotels of Brighton and Oxford to the adventure parks and sports facilities of Kent and Hampshire. The region offers a rich blend of coastal beauty, historic towns, and thriving urban areas, making it an ideal place to build a career in leisure.
With London just a stone's throw away, the South East benefits from excellent transport links, a high quality of life, and the chance to work in some of the most innovative leisure businesses in the country.
High-Paying Leisure Roles in the South East
Here are just a few of the top-paying opportunities available right now in the region:
1. General Manager – Luxury Resort (Kent)
- Salary: £65,000 - £85,000 per year
- Key Responsibilities: Oversee the entire operation of a prestigious luxury resort, including guest services, staff management, financial oversight, and creating unforgettable experiences for high-net-worth guests.
- Why it’s great: With a competitive salary and opportunities for bonuses and performance-based incentives, this role is perfect for experienced leaders in the hospitality industry.
2. Fitness Centre Manager (Surrey)
- Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 per year
- Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage all aspects of a state-of-the-art fitness center, from overseeing memberships and marketing to managing a team of trainers and staff.
- Why it’s great: This position combines a passion for fitness with leadership responsibilities, making it ideal for those who want to grow within a well-established leisure brand.
3. Event Director – Major Sports Event (Hampshire)
- Salary: £70,000 - £100,000 per year
- Key Responsibilities: Manage the planning, logistics, and execution of high-profile sporting events, from sponsorships and ticket sales to overseeing a large team of coordinators and vendors.
- Why it’s great: The South East is home to some of the UK's most prestigious sports venues, and this role offers the chance to work on large-scale, high-visibility events, making it perfect for event professionals who want to make their mark.
4. Resort Spa Manager (East Sussex)
- Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 per year
- Key Responsibilities: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a luxury resort spa, managing staff, guest experience, and the delivery of high-end wellness treatments.
- Why it’s great: If you have experience in wellness and hospitality, this is a fantastic opportunity to lead one of the South East’s top resort spas, with a rewarding salary and benefits package.
5. Leisure & Activities Manager (Brighton)
- Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 per year
- Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement exciting leisure programs for a large family-friendly resort, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for guests of all ages.
- Why it’s great: Brighton is a bustling, coastal city known for its vibrant tourism and family-friendly attractions. This role offers a great work-life balance along with an excellent salary for those passionate about family leisure.
6. Sales and Marketing Director – Leisure Complex (Oxford)
- Salary: £75,000 - £95,000 per year
- Key Responsibilities: Lead marketing strategies and sales initiatives for a luxury leisure complex, focusing on brand awareness, partnerships, and growing the customer base.
- Why it’s great: This is a senior, strategic role that requires experience in both sales and marketing within the leisure sector. It offers a competitive salary and the chance to drive the success of a prestigious brand.
7. Head of Customer Experience – Theme Park (Sussex)
- Salary: £65,000 - £85,000 per year
- Key Responsibilities: Lead customer experience strategies at a world-renowned theme park, ensuring every guest has a fun, memorable, and safe visit.
- Why it’s great: For those passionate about guest services and customer satisfaction, this role offers an exciting challenge in one of the UK’s busiest and most well-loved attractions.