Graduate CEO Support

Trafford Leisure is looking for an outstanding individual to join our team in the role of Graduate CEO Support. This is a challenging but rewarding position that you will have the opportunity to shape as your own. Working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), this role adds real value to the residents of Trafford and the wider Greater Manchester community.

Location: Altrincham Golf Course (with travel across various Trafford sites. We support flexible working arrangements where appropriate)

Salary: £25,552.80 per annum (this will be reviewed with the intention to go up after probation, and then increase again at the beginning of the second year)

Hours: 39 per week

We are the largest operator of sport and leisure facilities in Trafford, with an annual turnover of £8 million and over 300 employees.  Our bold vision is to inspire and create opportunities for the people of Trafford to move more and live longer, healthier, happier lives. This is a pivotal point in our evolution as Trafford Council’s multi-million-pound leisure investment programme is rolled out. This ambitious programme will see the portfolio of leisure centres transformed into fit-for-purpose, accessible, inspiring spaces under a new brand of “move” for future generations to come.

The Role:

We are seeking a graduate CEO Support professional to assist, develop, and grow alongside our Chief Executive. This is not a traditional PA role. While some day-to-day administrative tasks are involved, the successful candidate will also engage directly with partners and stakeholders, and support the CEO in areas such as strategy, governance, projects, and campaigns.

This is a two-year opportunity, with an ideal commitment from the successful candidate to stay and grow with us over this period.

The role includes four days per week directly supporting the CEO, and one day per week rotating through different departments across the business. This will also include gaining valuable hands-on operational management experience within one of our leisure centres.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Forward-thinking and collaborative
• An excellent communicator
• Personally resilient and adaptable
• Interested in sport, physical activity, and health
• Committed to helping us achieve our bold and aspirational vision

This engaging and varied role offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into all aspects of the business, while receiving hands-on support and mentorship from the CEO and wider Senior Leadership Team. Over the next five years, as our local centres are refurbished and rebranded, this evolving role will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to support major investment projects and strategic workstreams.

Essential Requirements:

• You must be degree-educated
• Ideally possess a UK driving licence
• Excellent writing and reporting skills; capable of clearly communicating complex issues
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Fast learner with an ability to quickly grasp new areas of knowledge
• Proactive researcher with innovative thinking
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgement
• Capable of working independently and taking initiative
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office 365; able to leverage tech to support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• Confident phone manner, with strong verbal presentation and listening skills

Development Opportunities:

This unique role provides excellent exposure across the business and allows the right candidate to truly own and shape the role. High-quality written work will be expected early on, as it is a key component of the position. You will receive a comprehensive induction and training package, with the goal of progressing within Trafford Leisure or the wider GM Active network after two years. Once core responsibilities are being delivered to an excellent standard, there will be ample opportunity for further development and stretch projects.

These could include:

• Representing Trafford Leisure at external meetings
• Producing well-researched, focused, and concise reports and policy briefings for the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team
• Contributing to governance, policy creation, and strategic planning
• Leading or supporting analytical and strategic projects such as: competitor analysis, evaluation of key programs and initiatives, deep dives into operational or performance data, insight reports to support decision-making and continuous improvement

These additional responsibilities may be rewarded with increased pay or expanded scope as the role evolves with the individual’s experience, performance, and interests.

What You Can Expect from Us:

In addition to a fantastic working environment and the opportunity to make a real difference, we offer:

• A structured and supportive working environment
• Pension scheme
• 32 days’ holiday (rising to 38 days after 5 years, including bank holidays and Trafford Leisure days)
• Company sick pay
• Cycle to Work scheme (saving up to 43% on a new bike)
• Complimentary fitness membership (worth up to £450 per year)
• Discounted fitness memberships for up to 5 family members or friends (worth up to £300 per person per year)
• 24/7 GP access and confidential counselling support
• Employee Assistance Programme (claim back up to £1,150 per year in healthcare costs)
• Retail and leisure discounts via the Perks at Work scheme
• Access to Manchester Credit Union for savings and loans

Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI). At Trafford Leisure, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a fair and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any support to apply, please contact: [email protected]

The Next Steps:

If you have the skills and experience outlined above and wish to apply for this exciting role, please complete an application form and send your CV to: [email protected]  We look forward to receiving your application.

Closing date: Wednesday 11th June 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 17th June 2025

Please note: We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. Any unsolicited CVs received will be treated as a gift.