Lead Aquatics Director

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Discounts on programs

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Aquatics Director in Pretoria to oversee all aquatic operations, including swim programs, lifeguard teams, and safety standards. You will drive participation, manage staff, and ensure high-quality programming for members of all ages.

The role emphasizes water safety, programming excellence, and a strong management focus on budget, maintenance, and customer satisfaction in a dynamic leisure and sports setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management or related field.
• 5+ years of aquatics management experience.
• Current Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications.
• Knowledge of pool operations and risk management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a wide range of aquatic programs, including learn-to-swim and competitive teams.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate lifeguards and instructors.
• Oversee pool maintenance, chemical balancing, and safety compliance.
• Develop and manage the aquatics department budget and drive revenue from programs and memberships.
• Implement pool safety policies and conduct regular safety audits and drills.
• Foster an inclusive, engaging environment for all participants.

Skills

Staff leadership

Safety compliance

Budget management

Program development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Recreation Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading recreational facility in Pretoria , is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Aquatics Director to manage all aspects of their aquatic operations. This includes overseeing swim programs, managing lifeguards and instructors, ensuring the highest standards of safety and facility maintenance, and driving participation in aquatic activities within the Leisure & Sports sector. The successful candidate will be passionate about water safety, programming excellence, and creating an engaging environment for members of all ages. This is a critical role responsible for the reputation and success of our client's aquatic offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage a wide range of aquatic programs, including learn-to-swim, recreational swimming, and competitive teams.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic staff, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the aquatic facilities, including pool maintenance, chemical balancing, and adherence to health and safety codes.
• Develop and manage the aquatics department budget, controlling expenses and maximizing revenue generation from programs and memberships.
• Implement and enforce all pool safety policies and procedures, conducting regular safety audits and emergency drills.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for all aquatic participants, addressing concerns and ensuring member satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, or a related field; relevant certifications are a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aquatics management, with demonstrated experience in program development and staff supervision.
• Current Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications are mandatory.
• Strong knowledge of pool operations, water chemistry, safety protocols, and risk management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with potential for performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Complimentary access to facility amenities and discounts on programs.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in aquatics management.
• A vibrant work environment contributing to the Leisure & Sports community in Pretoria.