Pickleball Operations Manager

Black Desert Resort; Ivins (UT); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury resort in Southern Utah is seeking a Pickleball Operations Manager to lead the operations of its Pickleball Complex. Responsibilities include managing staff, overseeing programming and guest experiences, and ensuring high professional standards. The ideal candidate will have management experience in recreation, strong leadership skills, and a passion for pickleball. This role offers a competitive salary and a year-round, full-time position.

Benefits

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Flexible time off

Employee dining room

Exclusive resort discounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of management experience in pickleball or resort recreation operations.
• Certified Pickleball Professional or Teaching Professional preferred.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of the Pickleball Complex, including scheduling and guest services.
• Develop and manage pickleball programs, including tournaments and clinics.
• Hire, train, and mentor staff to maintain high service standards.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Communication

Guest Relations

Organizational Abilities

Education

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

Tools

POS and booking systems

Job description

Overview

Black Desert Resort, located in the stunning desert landscape of Southern Utah, offers a world-class experience defined by luxury, leisure, and outdoor adventure. As part of its premier recreation amenities, the resort’s Pickleball Complex features multiple state-of-the-art courts, professional instruction, and guest programming that attracts both competitive and casual players. The Pickleball General Manager plays a key leadership role in creating a vibrant, inclusive, and guest-focused culture around this fast-growing sport while delivering the signature Black Desert standard of hospitality.

Job Summary:

The Pickleball Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the full operations, programming, and guest experience of the Black Desert Pickleball Complex. This includes staff management, tournament and event coordination, membership engagement, and ensuring the facility operates at the highest level of professionalism and efficiency. The position requires a balance of operational leadership, player development expertise, and business acumen to drive both guest satisfaction and financial performance. The Pickleball Operations Manager will collaborate with Recreation, Membership, Food & Beverage, and Marketing teams to deliver unique, engaging, and revenue-generating programs while maintaining the quality, safety, and vibrancy of the pickleball experience at Black Desert Resort.

Job Specifications:

Onsite: Black Desert Resort – Pickleball ComplexShift & Schedule Availability: Year-Round / Full-TimePay Range: $68,000 – $75,000/year. This is the range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

Why Join Us:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k) with company match, flexible time off, employee dining room, and exclusive resort discounts.
• Leadership Opportunity: Lead one of the region’s premier pickleball programs at a luxury resort destination.
• Dynamic Environment: Collaborate with top professionals in recreation, wellness, and hospitality to build an iconic guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Pickleball Complex, including staff scheduling, programming, guest services, and facility management.
• Develop, implement, and manage pickleball programs for members, guests, and residents, including tournaments, clinics, lessons, and leagues.
• Hire, train, and mentor pickleball instructors, attendants, and support staff to maintain the highest service and teaching standards.
• Manage facility upkeep, cleanliness, and maintenance in collaboration with Engineering and Housekeeping departments.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Membership teams to promote pickleball programming, events, and memberships.
• Collaborate with Food & Beverage and Events teams to coordinate tournaments, exhibitions, and resort-wide recreation events.
• Maintain accurate financial records, including payroll, departmental budgets, and POS transactions.
• Monitor court usage, retail inventory, and guest satisfaction through data analysis and feedback systems.
• Actively participate in and lead guest instruction, social play, and exhibition matches as needed to promote engagement and visibility.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, risk management policies, and operational procedures.
• Develop partnerships and sponsorships to elevate the pickleball brand presence at Black Desert.
• Represent Black Desert Resort professionally within the pickleball community, building positive relationships with local and national organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Hospitality, Sports Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in pickleball, racquet sports, or resort recreation operations.
• Certified Pickleball Professional or Teaching Professional through a recognized organization (e.g., PPR, IPTPA, or USAP) strongly preferred.
• In-depth understanding of pickleball operations, court maintenance, tournament logistics, and player development.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Excellent communication, guest relations, and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency with scheduling, POS, and booking systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

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