Swim School Operations Manager

Propel Swim Academy; Sully Square (VA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading swim academy is seeking an Operations Manager to enhance daily operations, mentor staff, and ensure exceptional customer experience. This role demands strong leadership abilities, clear communication, and hands-on involvement in swim instruction. Join a supportive team culture committed to providing the best swimming education and experience.

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid Time Off

Family discounts on swim lessons

Free uniforms

Leadership development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2+ years of leadership & management experience in swim schools, hospitality, or retail.
• Ability to communicate clearly and handle pressure.
• Physical capability to teach in the pool and manage shift responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach staff, ensuring operational excellence during shifts.
• Manage scheduling and maintain communication across teams.
• Coordinate training plans and ensure safety in pool area.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Energy

Empathy

Accountability

Education

CPR/Lifeguard/Pool Ops Certification

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from Propel Swim Academy

General Manager and Owner at Propel Swim Academy

Operations Manager – Propel Swim Academy

Let’s skip the corporate buzzwords and straight-laced leadership talk.

This job isn’t about corner offices or spreadsheets—it’s about leading alongside your people , building an incredible team, and making sure every swimmer, parent, and staff member walks through our doors and feels like they’re part of something special.

So let’s make this about you.

It’s about you thriving in the center of the action - managing the moment and coaching your team with confidence.

It’s about you loving a good checklist AND a spontaneous challenge.

It’s about you showing up with a purpose - because you know great service, safety, and culture don’t happen by accident.

And it’s about you believing in people - mentoring, coaching, and helping them find a grow within their sweet spot.

Because at Propel, our Operations Managers set the tone and pace for the entire team .

The Mission You’ll Own

We’re on a mission to become the best swim school in the country —and that only happens when our day-to-day operations run smoothly, safely, and in alignment with our core values. As an Operations Manager, you’ll wear a lot of hats—but your two biggest are shift leader and team coach .

You’ll be on deck. In the pool. With your people. With our customers. Every single week.

You’ll solve problems, spot wins, coach for growth, and make sure every shift delivers a world-class experience for families - and a supportive one for staff.

What Your Week Looks Like

This is a full-time leadership role (30–40 hours/week) with a flexible but intentional schedule:

• 2–3 shifts/week (10–15 hrs) as Manager on Duty: lead the deck team, coach staff, troubleshoot live challenges, and deliver operational excellence.
• 2–3 shifts/week (10–15 hrs) working as a Swim Instructor or Deck Supervisor (for those starting with more swim experience): especially early on, you’ll stay hands-on and connected to the team’s core work.
• Admin & leadership time (10–15 hrs) : scheduling, overseeing training plans, doing coaching check-ins, and participating in operational meetings.

You'll need to be available for 1 weekend morning and 3–4 weekday afternoon/evening shifts , and on-call for the full day that you are the Manager On Duty to handle shift coverage and callouts.

What You’ll Do

Shift Leadership & Safety

• Act as the face of Propel during Manager on Duty shifts, building relationships with staff, swimmers, and customers.
• Support Deck Supervisors and Instructors in hitting their shift goals.
• Run huddles, resolve staff and customer issues, oversee safety, and respond to emergencies.

Team Coaching & Development

• Lead, manage, and coach Swim Instructors, Deck Supervisors, Trainers, Cleaning Team Members, and Trainees.
• Conduct regular check-ins, quarterly conversations, and real-time feedback.
• Celebrate staff wins and build culture through our OneTeam360 system and daily recognition.

Scheduling & Communication

• Manage schedule changes and staff availability via Homebase.
• Serve as the “on-call” scheduler during Manager On Duty days to ensure full shift coverage.
• Communicate updates clearly with the team and Sales & Service team via Trello and in person.
• Ensure every shift is covered and staff are set up for success.

Training & Growth

• Coordinate initial and ongoing training plans.
• Match trainees with the right trainers and track progress.
• Identify high-potential staff for future leadership roles.

Pool Area & Facility Ops

• Lead cleaning team and monitor pool area safety and readiness.
• Ensure certifications stay current.
• Respond to any facility, cleanliness, or equipment issues.

In-Water Leadership

• Teach lessons 2-4 times/week (especially in early months).
• Stay connected to our mission and model hands-on, team-first leadership.
• Be ready to jump in - literally! - when coverage is needed.

What Success Looks Like

• Your team trusts you. Families recognize your face. The deck runs like clockwork.
• You’ve built strong relationships and delivered on high standards.
• You’re growing leaders, not just managing shifts.
• Our culture stays strong - even as we grow.
• And you feel proud of the work you’re doing every day.

You’re a Great Fit If…

• You’ve got 2+ years of leadership & management experience (swim school, hospitality, or retail ideal).
• You communicate clearly, coach effectively, and stay cool under pressure.
• You’re CPR/Lifeguard/Pool Ops certified—or ready to get there.
• You’re physically able to teach in the pool (up to 4 hrs at a time), be on your feet, and lift 50 lbs.
• You love working afternoons/evenings and weekends - and thrive when others might wilt.
• You bring energy, empathy, and accountability to every shift.

What You’ll Get

• $24–$32/hour , based on experience
• Health insurance + Paid Time Off
• Family discounts on swim lessons
• Free uniforms
• Leadership development and the chance to grow your role as we scale
• A supportive team culture where your work truly matters
• Daily opportunities to lead, coach, and make someone’s day better

Our Core Values, In Action

Team First: You lead the shift for everyone’s success - not just your own.

Up For Anything: You don’t flinch at curveballs - you lean in with a plan.

Growth & Learning: You seek feedback and coach others to rise.

High Standards: You leave every deck, system, and relationship better than you found it.

Look on the Bright Side: You bring optimism, even when things get messy.

Your Call to Action

If you’ve read this far, you clearly care - and that’s exactly who we’re looking for.

We’d love to hear from you

To expedite the application process please visit our website at https://www.propelswimacademy.com/join-our-team

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

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