Aquatics Manager

Purpose Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees the role holder will lead, expand and deliver a comprehensive aquatics programme, inclusive of a broad and comprehensive learn to swim programme, designed to meet the needs of the local community. By working collaboratively with colleagues across the business, to provide strategic direction, business development, marketing, and to successfully deliver the day-to-day operations of an innovative programme of aquatic activities. Key responsibilities Strategic Planning • Develop an annual strategic plan for the aquatics programme (including the Learn to Swim programme), working with the CCB Directors/Trustees, CCB Baths Operations Manager, Learn to Swim / Aquatics coordinators / teachers and the City of Chester Swimming and Waterpolo Club; • Maintain a keen understanding of industry trends affecting learn to swim and aquatics, making appropriate recommendations for strategic and tactical development. Programme management • Lead, enhance and expand our existing Learn to Swim programme to develop a comprehensive child through to adult learn to swim (including school learn to swim lessons), water safety and aquatics programmes, accounting for all customer demands and demographics; • Work collaboratively and in partnership with the CCB Baths Operations Manager to ensure a fully synchronised customer experience and effective distribution of resource and pool utilisation to maintain a quality aquatic offering across the Baths; • Recruit and develop the aquatics workforce (Swimming Teachers, Assistant Swimming Teachers, and other aquatic practitioners) to deliver a consistent and exceptional service; • Track, measure and report on the effectiveness of learn to swim and aquatic programmes, including attainment levels, membership indicators and business plan objectives; • Contribute to the annual budget process and manage income and expenditure related to the aquatics programmes working alongside the CCB Directors and Baths Operations Manager as required; • Conduct regular assessments of swimming teachers and other aquatic practitioners with the aim of improving lesson provision, and further developing our workforce skills. Business development • Grow and develop comprehensive child and adult aquatic programmes, accounting for all customer demands and demographics including any potential new aquatic wellbeing initiatives; • Form strong partnerships with key customers and stakeholders to help expand our current aquatics offering and to encourage active participation in support of our programmes; • Drive the marketing of the aquatics programmes via the website, social media platforms and specific events, creating appropriate content for all such marketing activities. General • Deal with customer/service enquiries in a professional and positive way, ensuring that the service maintains a strong customer service excellence focus; • Adhere to all the CCB Policies including the Code of Conduct, Health and Safety Policy and Normal Operating Procedures, and develop all programmes in line with these policies and Swim England guidelines; • Undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the nature of the role, as needed to ensure the smooth running of the Baths. Personal specification Essential -Track record of successfully teaching as part of a learn to swim programme across a diverse customer base including a wide range of age groups and swimming abilities; -Excellent communication (verbal and written) and client service skills with a proactive, “hands-on”, “can-do” attitude; -Team player with proven ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and customers; -Commercial awareness with good understanding of current trends and industry developments; -Swim England (or equivalent) Level 2 teaching qualification; -Enhanced DBS check and Swim England Safeguarding in aquatics qualification; -RLSS National Pool Lifeguard qualification. Desirable --Experience of supervising a team including training, development and performance management; Experience in aquatics programme coordination in a range of aquatic disciplines; -Swim England Level 3 Swim Coordinator qualification; -Sports and leisure management qualification; -IT literate and familiar with marketing tools (including the use of social media). Chester City Baths Limited are an equal opportunities employer. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of ethnic origin, gender, nationality, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status or medical history. As such we operate a merit-based recruitment system.