Swim School Operations Manager

ZipRecruiter; Sully Square (VA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic swim school as an Operations Manager, where you'll lead a passionate team, ensure operational excellence, and create an exceptional experience for swimmers and staff. This role combines leadership with hands-on involvement, making a meaningful impact in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid Time Off

Family discounts on swim lessons

Free uniforms

Leadership development

Qualifications

• 2+ years of leadership & management experience in swim school, hospitality, or retail.
• Ability to teach in the pool and lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the deck team and coach staff during shifts.
• Manage scheduling and ensure operational excellence.
• Coordinate training and development for staff.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Education

CPR/Lifeguard/Pool Ops certification

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

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.

Your First 90 Days At Propel

At Propel Swim Academy, your first 90 days are designed to help you lead with confidence, connect with our team, and make a meaningful impact.

30 Days: Learn & Connect

• Complete teacher certification in all Learn to Swim levels

• Build strong relationships with staff and learn daily shift flow

• Begin using key tools (Homebase, Trello, OneTeam360)

• Observe Level 10 meetings and get introduced to EOS tools

60 Days: Step Into Leadership

• Begin leading Manager On Duty shifts with support

• Shadow advanced swim programs (Parent/Child & Stroke School)

• Support training coordination and staff communication

• Apply EOS tools in team problem-solving

90 Days: Lead & Develop Others

• Run MOD shifts independently and support daily team goals

• Own training for a new instructor and identify future leaders

• Take responsibility for a key ops system (e.g., pool area audits or staff evals)

• Lead by example, contribute in EOS meetings, and champion our Core Values

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.

Company DescriptionPropel Swim Academy is a locally owned and operated swim school. Our passion is connecting with our swimmers and staff to create an incredible experience. Propel Swim Academy currently has one location in South Riding, Virginia, and is actively looking to expand over the next year! We are looking for career-oriented candidates who are looking to grow with our business. We're excited to meet you!Company DescriptionPropel Swim Academy is a locally owned and operated swim school. Our passion is connecting with our swimmers and staff to create an incredible experience. Propel Swim Academy currently has one location in South Riding, Virginia, and is actively looking to expand over the next year! We are looking for career-oriented candidates who are looking to grow with our business. We're excited to meet you!