Coastal Water Sports Centre Manager — Lead & Elevate

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an energetic Water Sports Centre Manager Lead to direct operations at a coastal facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee programming, staff, safety, equipment, and customer service to deliver outstanding outdoor experiences.

The ideal candidate has hands-on leadership in leisure or tourism, with water sports instruction and risk management background, and a commitment to safety and guest satisfaction in a dynamic coastal setting.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a water sports center
• Background in water sports instruction and risk management
• Operational leadership in leisure or tourism
• Strong focus on safety and customer service

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations, safety standards, and procedures.
• Develop and promote water sports activities (surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing).
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise instructors and staff.
• Maintain equipment with a rigorous maintenance and safety check schedule.
• Enforce safety protocols and emergency procedures for participants and staff.
• Manage bookings, memberships, and daily rentals to maximize revenue.
• Develop and manage the annual budget and drive profitability.
• Maintain high customer satisfaction and handle inquiries and complaints.

Skills

Water sport instruction

Risk management

Operations leadership

Staff management

Job description

Coastal Water Sports Centre Manager Lead

Our client is seeking an energetic and experienced Water Sports Center Manager to lead operations at a popular coastal facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the water sports center, including activity programming, staff management, safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and customer service. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in water sports instruction, risk management, and operational leadership within a leisure or tourism context. You will ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for all visitors, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. This position is critical for promoting water-based recreation and ensuring the success of the center within the vibrant Richards Bay tourist and local community. The role requires a hands‑on approach and a passion for delivering exceptional outdoor experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the water sports center, ensuring adherence to safety standards and operational procedures.
• Develop, implement, and promote a diverse range of water sports activities and programs (e.g., surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing).
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise a team of qualified instructors and support staff.
• Ensure all water sports equipment is maintained in excellent condition, implementing a rigorous maintenance and safety check schedule.
• Oversee and enforce strict safety protocols and emergency procedures, ensuring the well‑being of all participants and staff.
• Manage booking systems, membership accounts, and daily rentals, maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for the water sports center, controlling costs and driving profitability.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, handling inquiries, feedback, and complaints effectively