Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in aquatics coaching, 2 years in leading an aquatics program and driving performance within a swimming academy, and 2 years in pool operations management. A recognized Level 2 Swim Teaching certification and a valid Lifeguard License are mandatory. Previous experience in the UAE or GCC region is preferred.
Description
The Aquatics Program Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the Aquatics Department. This role is responsible for driving program participation, utilization, retention, revenue, and overall departmental performance in line with premium service standards. The manager oversees the design and continuous improvement of learn-to-swim, recreational, developmental, and competitive pathways to ensure safe, progressive, and high-quality participant experiences. Additionally, this role mentors and develops swimming coaches and lifeguards, monitors customer feedback and operational insights, and ensures full compliance with pool safety, safeguarding, and health standards.Responsibilities:-.Strategic & Operational Leadership: Take full accountability for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and commercial growth of the Aquatics Program, including class occupancy, pool utilization, participant progression, and retention..Program Design & Execution: Design, implement, and continuously improve structured aquatics pathways covering learn-to-swim, recreational, developmental, and competitive levels..Team Development & Coaching: Inspire, lead, and develop the aquatics coaching team and lifeguards through regular lesson observations, feedback, and structured training. Maintain coaching standards by actively delivering sessions when required..Pool Safety & Operational Standards: Maintain strict adherence to health and safety regulations, SOPs, safeguarding requirements, pool safety procedures, water quality standards, risk assessments, and audit guidelines..Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with Membership, Marketing, and Experience teams to drive participant acquisition, coordinate swim competitions, holiday camps, school partnerships, and community events..Performance Monitoring: Utilize performance insights, data, and participant feedback to optimize program performance, increase secondary spend, and support overall business objectives.RequirementsExperience: Minimum 5 years of experience in aquatics coaching minimum 2 years of experience leading an aquatics program and driving performance within a swimming academy minimum 2 years of experience in pool operations management.Certifications: Recognized Level 2 Swim Teaching certification (or equivalent) valid Lifeguard License.Education: Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, or a related discipline preferred.Regional Experience: Previous experience in the UAE or GCC region preferred..