Pool Operations Lead - Safe, Guest-First Management

Butlin's; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Butlin's Splash is seeking an Assistant Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of the resort swimming pool and water-based facilities, ensuring a safe, clean and engaging environment for guests and team.

The role leads the frontline team, maintains health and safety compliance, and helps deliver high-quality guest experiences in line with brand expectations. You will supervise lifeguards, plan rotas, monitor water quality and support poolside programming.

Qualifications

• NPLQ (or equivalent lifeguard qualification).
• Experience in a leisure or pool environment.
• Experience supervising or leading a team.
• Strong understanding of pool safety and operations.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work shifts including evenings/weekends.
• Confident decision-making in fast-paced environments.
• Safety-first mindset.
• Visible and supportive leader.
• Calm under pressure.
• Guest-focused.
• Team player.
• Attention to detail.
• Proactive and organised.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily operation of all pool and water feature areas.
• Ensure adequate lifeguard and team coverage across all operating hours.
• Assist in planning rotas aligned to occupancy and demand.
• Monitor poolside standards including cleanliness, water quality and presentation.
• Respond quickly to operational issues to minimise disruption.
• Support delivery of poolside activities, sessions and guest experiences.
• Supervise and support lifeguards and pool team members on shift.
• Provide coaching, training and performance feedback.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and ongoing training.
• Manage shift briefings and ensure clear communication.
• Address day-to-day people issues and elevate where required.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and safety-first culture.
• Ensure a welcoming, safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.
• Support delivery of poolside activities and resort programming.
• Handle guest queries and complaints professionally.
• Monitor guest feedback and support improvements.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusion standards are met.
• Support stock control for pool chemicals, equipment and uniforms.
• Assist with budgets and cost control.
• Maintain accurate records for training, incidents and compliance.
• Support maintenance planning with facilities teams.
• Deputise for the Pool Manager when required.

Skills

NPLQ lifeguard qualification

Leisure/pool environment

Team supervision

Pool safety and operations

Communication

Shift work (evenings/weekends)

Decision making

Safety-first

Guest-focused

Team player

Attention to detail

Proactive and organised

Job description

Butlin's Splash is seeking an Assistant Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of the resort swimming pool and water-based facilities, ensuring a safe, clean and engaging environment for guests and team.

The role leads the frontline team, maintains health and safety compliance, and helps deliver high-quality guest experiences in line with brand expectations. You will supervise lifeguards, plan rotas, monitor water quality and support poolside programming.