Senior Director, Aquatics & Recreation

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Access to facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Head of Aquatics and Recreation to strategically lead all aquatic programs and recreational services. You will oversee operations, develop programs, and drive safety and financial performance.

The role requires 8+ years in aquatic/recreational facilities with at least 3 years in a senior leadership position. You will manage a team, drive innovation, and engage with the community to deliver exceptional experiences.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Aquatics operations

Budgeting

Program development

Stakeholder management

Safety regulations

Education

Recreation Management degree

Sports Science degree

Business Administration degree

Job description

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Head of Aquatics and Recreation to strategically lead all aquatic programs and recreational services. You will oversee operations, develop programs, and drive safety and financial performance.

The role requires 8+ years in aquatic/recreational facilities with at least 3 years in a senior leadership position. You will manage a team, drive innovation, and engage with the community to deliver exceptional experiences.