Head of Aquatic Centre Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head of Aquatic Centre Operations in Cape Town to oversee the strategic management and daily operations of our premier aquatic facilities. This leadership role demands a proactive, safety-focused executive with 8+ years in aquatic/leisure operations and at least 4 in senior management, plus budgets, programming, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.

You will lead diverse teams, drive revenue growth, ensure high service standards, and partner with clubs and

Qualifications

• 8+ years in aquatic facilities or large-scale leisure operations.
• At least 4 years in a senior management role.
• Budget management, financial planning, and revenue strategies.
• Knowledge of pool maintenance, water chemistry, safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all aquatic centre operations.
• Develop safety policies and compliance with health standards.
• Manage budgets, expenditures, and revenue opportunities.
• Lead and develop lifeguards, instructors, maintenance and customer service teams.
• Develop programs for learn-to-swim, competitive swimming, and water aerobics.
• Ensure cleanliness, hygiene, and maintenance, with vendor management.
• Marketing and promotional strategies to increase usage and memberships.
• Build relationships with clubs, schools, and community groups.
• Oversee incident response protocols and safety.
• Monitor trends and implement innovations to improve patron experience.
• Conduct performance reviews and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Customer service

Marketing principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Facility management software

Scheduling systems

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a premier leisure and sports facility provider located in the picturesque city of Cape Town , Western Cape. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Aquatic Centre Operations to oversee the strategic management and daily running of our state-of-the-art aquatic facilities. This leadership position demands a proactive individual with extensive experience in managing large-scale leisure operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, customer service, and operational efficiency. You will be responsible for driving revenue growth, enhancing the patron experience, and maintaining the facility's reputation as a leading destination for aquatic sports and recreation in the region. This role is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and fostering a vibrant community hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of the aquatic centre, including swimming pools, water parks, and related amenities.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with safety regulations, health standards, and best practices in aquatic management.
• Manage budgets, control expenditures, and identify opportunities for revenue enhancement and cost optimization.
• Lead, train, and motivate a diverse team of lifeguards, instructors, maintenance staff, and customer service representatives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive programming for learn-to-swim, competitive swimming, water aerobics, and other recreational activities.
• Ensure the facility is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and repair, overseeing maintenance schedules and vendor management.
• Develop and execute marketing and promotional strategies to increase facility usage and membership.
• Foster strong relationships with local sports clubs, schools, and community organizations to promote aquatic programs.
• Manage incident response protocols and ensure a safe environment for all patrons and staff.
• Monitor industry trends and implement innovative services and technologies to enhance the patron experience.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities for staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Facility Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in managing aquatic facilities or large-scale leisure operations, with at least 4 years in a senior management role.
• Proven experience in budget management, financial planning, and revenue generation strategies within the leisure industry.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic facility operations, including pool maintenance, water chemistry, and safety protocols (e.g., NARS, RLSS certifications are a strong advantage).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Excellent customer service skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional patron experiences.
• Proficiency in facility management software, scheduling systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of marketing principles and experience in promoting recreational programs.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Must be able to obtain a valid South African work permit if applicable.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, as required.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, including private hospital cover, and a generous retirement fund contribution are provided.
• Employees receive an excellent annual leave entitlement and opportunities for continuous professional development, including certifications and workshops relevant to aquatic management.
• Access to the facility's amenities for personal use is also a benefit.

Our client is committed to fostering a positive work-life balance and provides a supportive environment for its staff. Join our team in beautiful Cape Town and lead the operations of a world-class aquatic centre.