Lead Aquatics Manager

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental & vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

On-site facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Aquatics Manager for its Pretoria facilities. You will lead lifeguards, swim instructors, and staff, ensuring safety, quality, and efficient operations across pools and water-related activities.

The role requires a strong background in aquatic safety, operations management, and team leadership within a busy leisure environment. You will develop programs, manage schedules, and uphold high standards of service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, or related field (or an Associate's degree with extensive experience).
• Minimum of 5 years in aquatics management with a track record in facility operations and staff supervision.
• Current lifeguard certification and water safety instructor certification (e.g., Red Cross, YMCA) required.
• Strong knowledge of pool operations, water chemistry, and maintenance procedures.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in developing and marketing aquatic programs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce comprehensive safety policies and emergency action plans for all aquatic operations.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic facility staff.
• Oversee daily operations: pool maintenance, water quality testing, equipment upkeep.
• Develop and implement a diverse range of aquatic programs (swim lessons, fitness classes, recreational activities).
• Manage the aquatics budget, monitor expenses, and identify revenue opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with local, regional, and national health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Pool operations

Water chemistry

Maintenance procedures

Lifeguard certification

Water safety instructor certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management or related field

Associate's degree with extensive experience

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Aquatics Manager to oversee all operations of their aquatic facilities in Pretoria . This key role involves ensuring the safety, quality, and efficiency of swimming pools, water parks, and related activities. You will lead a team of lifeguards, swim instructors, and facility staff, implementing rigorous safety protocols, managing program schedules, and maintaining impeccable facility standards. The ideal candidate has a strong background in aquatic safety, operational management, and team leadership within a busy leisure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce comprehensive safety policies and emergency action plans for all aquatic operations.
• Manage the recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision of lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic facility staff.
• Oversee the daily operations of aquatic facilities, including pool maintenance, water quality testing, and equipment upkeep.
• Develop and implement a diverse range of aquatic programs, including swim lessons, fitness classes, and recreational activities.
• Manage the aquatics budget, monitor expenses, and identify opportunities for revenue enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with all local, regional, and national health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, or a related field; an Associate's degree with extensive experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aquatics management, with a proven track record in facility operations and staff supervision.
• Current lifeguard certification and water safety instructor certification (e.g., Red Cross, YMCA) are required.
• Strong knowledge of pool operations, water chemistry, and maintenance procedures.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in developing and marketing aquatic programs is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Paid time off and opportunities for professional development.
• Access to on-site facilities and employee wellness programs.