Head of Aquatics and Recreation

Placements24; George; Hybride; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Access to facilities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Head of Aquatics and Recreation for a flagship center in George, Western Cape. This senior role directs aquatic programs, facilities, and community engagement, ensuring exemplary experiences with top safety and financial performance.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, shape strategic initiatives, and drive growth while maintaining compliance with health and safety standards in a dynamic Leisure & Sports environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years in aquatic and/or recreational facilities management.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role in Leisure & Sports.
• Strong knowledge of water safety, programming, and facility operations.
• Proven financial management, budgeting, and revenue generation abilities.
• Certifications in Lifeguard Instructor, Swim Instructor, First Aid/CPR preferred.

Responsabilités

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for aquatics and recreation.
• Oversee daily operations of pools, fitness areas, and facilities.
• Mentor and lead a high-performance team of professionals.
• Design and evaluate programs: swimming, fitness, leagues, events.
• Ensure health, safety, and lifeguard certifications; audit compliance.
• Manage budgets, revenue strategies, and capital expenditure.
• Build relationships with members, community stakeholders, and bodies.
• Lead facility upgrades, procurement, and new technologies.
• Oversee marketing to maximize participation and revenue.
• Prepare performance reports and provide insights to leadership.

Connaissances

Leadership

Strategic planning

Team management

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Aquatics operations

Safety compliance

Program development

Formation

Degree in Recreation Management, Sports Science, or Business Administration

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization within the **Leisure & Sports** landscape, is actively seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Aquatics and Recreation for their flagship center in **George, Western Cape**. This senior leadership position involves the strategic development, management, and oversight of all aquatic programs and recreational services. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of operational expertise, program innovation, and leadership acumen. They will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of exceptional experiences for members and the community, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and financial performance. This is a critical role that requires someone passionate about fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for aquatic and recreational activities. The successful applicant will lead a dedicated team, drive strategic initiatives, and contribute significantly to the organization's mission of promoting wellness and community engagement in **George**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the aquatics and recreation departments, aligning with the organization's overall objectives.
• Oversee the daily operations of all pools, fitness areas, and recreational facilities, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction.
• Manage and mentor a team of aquatic and recreation professionals, fostering a positive and high-performance work culture.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a diverse range of aquatic and recreational programs, including swimming lessons, fitness classes, sports leagues, and community events.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and lifeguard regulations, maintaining certifications and conducting regular safety audits.
• Manage departmental budgets, including revenue generation strategies, expense control, and capital expenditure planning.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with members, community stakeholders, and relevant governing bodies.
• Lead initiatives for facility upgrades, equipment procurement, and the implementation of new recreational technologies.
• Oversee marketing and promotional efforts for aquatics and recreation programs to maximize participation and revenue.
• Prepare regular performance reports, analyzing key metrics and providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in managing aquatic and/or recreational facilities, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in program development, operational management, and team leadership within the **Leisure & Sports** industry.
• Extensive knowledge of aquatics operations, water safety standards, and recreational programming.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue generation.
• Excellent understanding of relevant health and safety regulations and certification requirements.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and achieve measurable results.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant degree in Recreation Management, Sports Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certifications such as Lifeguard Instructor, Swim Instructor, and First Aid/CPR are required or must be obtained promptly.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **George, Western Cape** with a flexible work schedule.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees enjoy access to the organization's excellent recreational facilities and a supportive work environment that values innovation and collaboration. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and provide resources for further certifications and training. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of aquatics and recreation in a thriving community.