Director of Aquatics & Recreation

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Disability insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Access to facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Director of Aquatics & Recreation to lead all aquatic and recreational initiatives. The role oversees facilities, safety, staffing, and program development to meet community needs.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in facility operations, program management, and budget oversight, with a passion for delivering high-quality experiences for members and participants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in managing aquatics and recreational facilities and programs.
• Current lifeguard certification and CPR/First Aid certifications are required.
• Strong understanding of aquatic facility operations, maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, program development, and staff supervision.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience in marketing and promoting recreational services.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Residency in or willingness to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for aquatic and recreational programs to meet community needs and organizational goals.
• Oversee the daily operations of all aquatic facilities, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and compliance with regulations.
• Manage and supervise a team of lifeguards, swim instructors, recreation coordinators, and other staff.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a wide range of recreational programs and events for diverse age groups and interests.
• Manage the departmental budget, including revenue generation, expense control, and financial reporting.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and emergency procedures for aquatic and recreational activities in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.
• Lead marketing and promotional efforts to increase participation in programs and facility usage.
• Foster positive relationships with members, participants, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in aquatics and recreation management.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff supervision

Program development

Communication

Problem solving

Marketing

Community engagement

Safety protocols

Facility operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management / Sports Management / Business Administration or related field

Job description

About the Role Our client, a premier leisure and sports facility operator in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Aquatics & Recreation. This senior leadership position is responsible for the overall management, strategic planning, and operational excellence of all aquatic programs and recreational activities. The Director will oversee a diverse range of offerings, including competitive swimming, learn-to-swim programs, water safety initiatives, and various recreational sports. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in facility management, program development, and staff leadership within the aquatics and recreation sector. Based in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA**, this role demands a strategic thinker with a passion for community engagement and a commitment to providing safe, enjoyable, and high-quality experiences for all participants. You will be instrumental in driving membership growth, enhancing program offerings, and ensuring the financial viability of the department, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate within a thriving leisure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for aquatic and recreational programs to meet community needs and organizational goals.
• Oversee the daily operations of all aquatic facilities, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and compliance with regulations.
• Manage and supervise a team of lifeguards, swim instructors, recreation coordinators, and other staff.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a wide range of recreational programs and events for diverse age groups and interests.
• Manage the departmental budget, including revenue generation, expense control, and financial reporting.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and emergency procedures for aquatic and recreational activities in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.
• Lead marketing and promotional efforts to increase participation in programs and facility usage.
• Foster positive relationships with members, participants, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in aquatics and recreation management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in managing aquatics and recreational facilities and programs.
• Current lifeguard certification and CPR/First Aid certifications are required.
• Strong understanding of aquatic facility operations, maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, program development, and staff supervision.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience in marketing and promoting recreational services.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Residency in or willingness to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid, disability insurance, and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allocation.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and conference attendance.
• Access to exceptional recreational facilities and programs.
• A supportive and dynamic work culture committed to community well-being.