The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The University of Sheffield seeks a dedicated Duty Supervisor to oversee daily operations at both the Goodwin Sports Centre and Norton Sports Park. This critical role is instrumental in ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and operational readiness of our sports facilities for the benefit of students and the wider community.

Reporting to the Duty Manager, the Post Holder will contribute to the successful execution of the Department of Sport & Physical Activity Strategy. Key responsibilities include assisting in the preparation and setup of diverse facilities such as sports halls, squash courts and outdoor sports pitches.

Candidates should possess proven experience in a supervisory capacity, demonstrating strong attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to maintaining standards. The ability to work autonomously and as part of a cohesive team, coupled with excellent time management and task prioritisation skills, is essential.

A strong commitment to the Sheffield Professional values is expected, guiding the implementation of operational processes and procedures. The Duty Supervisor will be responsible for conducting daily inspections and ensuring strict adherence to safe working practices, in full compliance with relevant legislation and the University Health and Safety Policy.

This position is situated within Student Academic Services (S&AS), a department dedicated to enhancing the student experience through comprehensive support, including initiatives that promote student health and wellbeing.

Apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the University of Sheffield!

Main duties and responsibilities

• Have a working knowledge of the Normal Operating Procedure, facility codes of conduct and risk assessments, ensuring all facility operations adhere to these guidelines.
• Respond to emergencies and initiate Emergency Action Plans, including evacuating facilities, as required.
• Deliver first aid when required and ensure that accidents and incidents are appropriately and accurately recorded.
• Assist the Duty Manager with daily opening and closing procedures. Carry out facility inspections, spot hazards, prevent accidents, report or respond to any health and safety, maintenance and cleanliness issues.
• Prepare, inspect and set up a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities for use for daily bookings.
• Support Norton Sports Park's opening, inspect pitches, manage customers, handle first aid/ inquiries, and site security
• Maintain operational qualifications and participate in regular staff training.

In the Duty Manager’s absence:

• Supervise and motivate a team of delivery staff including Recreation Assistants, Fitness Consultants, Welcome Ambassadors and provide wider support for Norton Sports Park.
• Act as a main key holder for Sport & Physical Activity and be responsible for opening and closing the facilities, internal and external security and liaising with the University Security Services as necessary.
• Have an excellent working knowledge of the leisure management systems.
• Be responsible and accountable for Sport & Physical Activity Cash Handling Policy and University Financial Regulations.
• Be the primary person responsible for health, safety, and well-being of everyone at our facilities, adhering to all University and Sport & Physical Activity guidelines. When emergencies happen, you'll take charge, coordinating your team and working with emergency services, campus security, safety departments, and senior managers.
• Ensure effective handling and reporting of incidents and accidents in accordance with University procedures.
• Prepare daily staff rotas which reflect the staffing support required in all areas of the facility.
• To be responsible for the daily inspection of the facilities and equipment and to report faults via the University’s Plannon system.
• Ensure that facilities are set up on time, safe and ready for activity, conduct regular checks throughout all facilities, ensuring customer service levels are maintained.
• Support University of Sheffield Open Days on behalf of Sport & Physical Activity providing prospective students with all the relevant information.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential

• Must have a good understanding of health and safety requirements and relevant legislation and knowledge of facility operating procedures and how these apply in the workplace
• First aid at work qualification or equivalent - knowledge of first aid, including procedures for dealing with spinal injuries, and the use of rescue equipment such as defibrillator equipment.
• Experience of working across multiple sites in a sport or leisure facility in a recreational and supervisory role
• Experience in cash handling and working with electronic tills and booking systems, using leisure management software and a wide range of IT packages
• Ability to handle conflict and remain calm under pressure
• Ability to lead and support a team of staff effectively, creating an environment where staff are motivated and supported to achieve agreed goals that support the Sport & Physical Activity strategy
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer care skills. The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external customers
• A keen eye for detail with experience in monitoring and maintaining high standards in facility presentation, customer service and
• commitment to high-quality customer care and excellent problem-solving skills
• Must be flexible, able to work effectively in a team environment and use own initiative with a highly motivated and enthusiastic approach to work.
• Ability to work flexible shift patterns which may include mornings, evenings and weekends

Desirable

• Paediatric First Aid Qualification (or the ability to achieve within 3 months of starting in post)
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health and safety qualification

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the week commencing 3rd November 2025. This will consist of an activity/task and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 3rd November 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact Lee Brown l.t.brown@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A basic DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date : 30/10/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.