Gameday Bay Waterpark Manager

Jellis; Canton (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Gameday Bay in Canton, Ohio is pursuing a Waterpark Manager to lead the indoor waterpark operations from pre-opening through opening day. You will recruit, train, and coach lifeguards and staff, establish procedures, and shape the safety culture while coordinating with the General Manager and departments.

The role focuses on safety, guest experience, and program development, with responsibilities spanning staffing, maintenance collaboration, and event support in preparation for Spring 2027

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of leadership experience in aquatics, waterparks, or recreation.
• Experience supervising and developing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak operating periods as business demands require.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead Waterpark Operations, overseeing day-to-day indoor waterpark activities.
• Ensure highest standards of guest safety, cleanliness, and service.
• Monitor attraction readiness, facility conditions, water chemistry, and performance.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams for preventive maintenance and equipment needs.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and retain lifeguards and waterpark staff.
• Coach and mentor to build a positive team culture.
• Conduct ongoing safety drills and training programs.
• Lead aquatic safety initiatives and emergency preparedness.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Support events, seasonal programming, and community partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Safety culture

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Sports Management, or related field

Tools

Lifeguard Certification

Lifeguard Instructor Certification

Job description

Canton, Ohio Opening Spring 2027 | Hiring Fall 2026

Are you ready to help build something from the ground up?

Gameday Bay is preparing to make waves in Canton, Ohio with an exciting new indoor waterpark experience opening in Spring 2027. We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and safety-focused Waterpark Manager to join our leadership team ahead of opening and play a key role in bringing the vision to life.

Due to the extensive lifeguard recruitment, certification, and training responsibilities associated with this role, we anticipate hiring this position in October/November 2026, allowing ample time to build and train a best-in-class aquatic team before opening day.

This is a unique opportunity for an aquatic professional who enjoys leading teams, developing talent, creating memorable guest experiences, and setting the standard for safety and operational excellence.

Why Join Gameday Bay?

As the Waterpark Manager, you won't simply inherit an operation. You'll help create one along with S&L Hospitality and the General Manager.

You will be responsible for recruiting, developing, certifying, and leading the team that will deliver exceptional guest experiences from day one. You'll work alongside the General Manager and other department leaders to establish operating procedures, launch programming, build a strong safety culture, and help prepare the facility for a successful grand opening.

What You'll Do

Lead Waterpark Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the indoor waterpark.
• Ensure the highest standards of guest safety, cleanliness, and service.
• Monitor attraction readiness, facility conditions, water chemistry, and operational performance.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance teams to address preventative maintenance and equipment needs.

Build and Lead an Exceptional Team

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and retain lifeguards, lead lifeguards, supervisors, and waterpark team members.
• Serve as a coach and mentor while creating a positive, accountable team culture.
• Conduct ongoing skills evaluations, emergency response drills, and safety-focused training programs.

Champion Safety

• Lead all aquatic safety initiatives and emergency response preparedness.
• Maintain compliance with aquatic industry standards and applicable regulations.
• Promote and model a culture where guest and team member safety always comes first.
• Support special events, seasonal programming, community partnerships, and group experiences.
• Collaborate with Sales, Food & Beverage, and Operations teams to deliver exceptional experiences for guests and groups.
• Assist with promotional activities and community outreach efforts.

Manage Department Performance

• Monitor labor costs, operating expenses, and departmental budgets.
• Evaluate operational metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain staffing levels that align with seasonal and operational demands.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Minimum three years of leadership experience in aquatics, waterparks, or recreation.
• Experience supervising and developing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak operating periods as business demands require.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing an aquatic facility, waterpark, municipal pool, recreation center,or similar operation.
• Experience leading aquatic events, programming, or special events.
• Working knowledge of pool operations, water chemistry, and aquatic safety programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Sports Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Certifications

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain all required certifications, including:

• Lifeguard Certification
• Lifeguard Instructor Certification
• CPR
• First Aid
• AED
• Any additional certifications required by the company, certifying agency, or applicable law

Candidates who already hold a current Lifeguard Instructor certification are strongly preferred.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

This position offers the rare chance to:

• Help launch a brand-new destination attraction.
• Build and train a lifeguard team from the ground up.
• Shape the safety culture before opening day.
• Partner with an experienced leadership team during pre-opening operations.
• Create lasting experiences for families.

Make a splash before we open our doors.