Aquatic Facility Operations Manager

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced Aquatic Facility Operations Manager to oversee a state-of-the-art aquatic center. This hands-on role ensures safety, cleanliness, and exceptional customer service while coordinating daily operations, pool maintenance, staff scheduling, and program delivery.

You will work with the leisure and sports team to align operations with strategic goals, manage the facility budget, supervise lifeguards, swim instructors and customer

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in aquatic facility management.
• Current Lifeguard and First Aid/CPR certifications mandatory.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or equivalent certification required.
• Proven experience in supervising, training, and developing staff.
• Strong knowledge of pool water chemistry, filtration systems, and safety practices.
• Excellent understanding of health and safety regulations for public pools.
• Experience managing budgets and financial oversight.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aquatic facility operations, including pool chemistry and safety equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Develop and implement SOPs for maintenance and emergencies.
• Recruit, train, schedule and supervise aquatic staff.
• Oversee scheduling and delivery of swim lessons and aquatic programs.
• Manage facility budget, expenses, revenue, and reporting.
• Conduct regular facility inspections and address safety concerns.
• Develop strategies to enhance patron satisfaction and utilization.
• Oversee inventory and procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Serve as primary contact for patrons and staff inquiries.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

First Aid/CPR

CPO certification

Staff supervision

Budget management

Customer service

Pool water chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier provider of recreational facilities, is seeking an experienced Aquatic Facility Operations Manager to oversee their state-of-the-art aquatic center in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**. This position requires a hands-on approach and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and customer service. You will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of the facility, including pool maintenance, staff management, program delivery, and budget oversight. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of aquatic safety regulations, and a passion for providing exceptional recreational experiences to the **Richards Bay** community. This is a fantastic opportunity to manage a key community asset and ensure its success and sustainability. You will work closely with the broader leisure and sports team to align facility operations with the organization's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of aquatic facility operations, including pool chemistry, filtration systems, and safety equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all local, provincial, and national health and safety regulations related to aquatic facilities.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for facility maintenance, cleaning, and emergency protocols.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise aquatic staff, including lifeguards, swim instructors, and customer service representatives.
• Oversee the scheduling and delivery of swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and other recreational programs.
• Manage the facility budget, including operational expenses, revenue generation, and financial reporting.
• Conduct regular facility inspections to identify and address any maintenance or safety concerns.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance patron satisfaction and facility utilization.
• Manage inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for facility-related inquiries and issues from patrons and staff.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in aquatic facility management or a related role.
• Current Lifeguard and First Aid/CPR certifications are mandatory.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or equivalent certification is required.
• Proven experience in staff supervision, training, and development.
• Strong knowledge of pool water chemistry, filtration systems, and aquatic safety best practices.
• Excellent understanding of health and safety regulations relevant to public pools.
• Demonstrated ability in budget management and financial oversight.Strong customer service skills and the ability to resolve patron complaints effectively.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by facility operations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage.
• Opportunity to manage a vital community recreational facility in **Richards Bay**.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Discounted access to facility amenities.