Aquatic Manager

About Us Spray Lake Sawmills Centre (SLSC) is a leading-edge sport and recreational facility encompassing 325,000 square feet, including an aquatic centre, four arenas and a curling centre, fitness & climbing facilities, an indoor turf, track, and gymnasium. SLSC is a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors. SLSC employs over 200 employees who help make a difference in our community’s physical and social well-being. We offer a dynamic and fast-paced work environment that promotes excellence in teamwork, community building, and an innovative customer-focus
About the Position

This key position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer service and operational excellence at the SLSC Aquatic Centre. This position leads the aquatic department, including supervision of team leaders, staff coaching, program delivery, event coordination, and bookings. The Aquatic Manager reports to the CEO.

The Aquatic Manager is responsible for upholding safety standards in alignment with relevant legislation and best practices, managing the annual budget, optimizing resource allocation, and executing the department’s strategic goals. This role requires a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement and interdepartmental collaboration – particularly with Building Operations, Guest Services, Marketing, and Programs – to ensure facility readiness, safety, and service reliability.

Job Type: Full-Time, Salary - benefits-eligible
Specific responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership to integrate aquatics within SLSC’s broader goals, emphasizing safety, wellness, accessibility, and active lifestyles for all ages and abilities.
• Responsible for the overall operation and management of the SLSC Aquatic Centre, including the annual budget (revenue, expenses, and capital projects), personnel, and programming.
• Drive outcomes in key areas: operational efficiency, safety compliance, service excellence, membership and revenue growth, and an outcomes-oriented approach to programming.
• Actively coach and support aquatic supervisors and team leads to ensure effective and safe day-to-day operations.
• • Guide training, in-service standards, and performance expectations.
  • Support personnel matters and cross-functional staffing needs and/or conflicts.
  • Oversee scheduling, payroll, and contractor relationships.
• Accountable for program and service development, budget oversight, customer engagement, internal communications, and marketing efforts.
• Set and execute short- and long-term strategic priorities using business analytics and industry best practices.
• Manage all aquatic budgets (revenue, labour, expenses, and capital projects) with a focus on cost-efficiency and revenue growth.
• Collaborate with the Programs Department (including Bookings, Fitness, and Camps) to align schedules and create complimentary offerings that maximize participation and facility use.
• Leverage CRM and booking systems for reporting, data analysis, and conflict-free scheduling.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through quality programming, minimal disruptions, and regular feedback loops.
• Build and maintain a strong, solutions-focused partnership with Building Operations, collaborating on facility readiness, maintenance planning, and issue resolution to support seamless aquatic operations.
• Actively contribute to a culture of shared responsibility and mutual respect interdepartmentally, working together to reduce service issues, service interruptions, and to elevate the overall guest experience.
• Contribute to organization-wide teamwork, strategy, and planning sessions.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all Health & Safety and HR policies and procedures.
• Build strong relationships with community partners and maintain up-to-date Training Partner Agreements.
• Model professional, respectful communication and effective conflict resolution with both staff and guests.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a deep history in the Aquatic industry, and leadership experience including multiple cycles of complex annual budgeting (revenue & expenses), and a highly collaborative and safety-oriented mindset. A strategic, values-oriented leader, with exposure to operating in a multi-facility recreation environment, known for building collaborative, high-functioning teams and strengthening interdepartmental partnerships. Current Aquatic certs are considered an asset.

• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role in a recreation facility, specializing in Aquatics.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field
• Demonstrated experience in building and leading high-performing teams, staff development, budget management, strategic planning, and customer engagement
• Knowledge of relevant Alberta legislation and safety standards (for Aquatic Facilities)
• Proficiency in Office 365 and CRM software (e.g., ActiveNet)
• Able to work flexible hours as required to support the team
• Successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check

Preferred Aquatic Certifications (current or willing to recert):

• Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C/AED
• Lifesaving Society: Swim Instructor, National Lifeguard, Lifesaving Instructor
• First Aid Instructor and/or National Lifeguard Instructor
• Pool Operator Level 1 and/or 2

Physical Demands and Work Conditions:

• Physical strength, stamina and coordination is required to carry out the duties of the position.
• Noisy, hot, humid pool environment.
• Exposure to mild chemicals from the pool.

This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.