Director of Aquatic Operations

The Director of Aquatic Operations is the senior on-site leader responsible for the overall success of the swim school. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the business, including team development, customer experience, safety, enrollment growth, financial performance, and facility operations. The Director of Aquatic Operations is accountable for building a high-performing team, achieving business objectives, and ensuring every family receives an exceptional Aqua‑Tots experience. Who Thrives in This Role This is not a traditional management position. Leading an Aqua‑Tots Swim School requires a high level of commitment, adaptability, and a passion for developing people while delivering an exceptional experience for every family. Our proprietary curriculum, operational standards, and leadership expectations involve a significant learning curve. Success in this role requires a willingness to learn, receive coaching, and continuously grow. While we provide extensive training and support, becoming an effective Director of Aquatic Operations takes dedication, persistence, and a commitment to excellence. If you're looking for a routine management position, this is NOT the right fit. If you're energized by leading teams, solving problems, mastering new skills, and making a meaningful impact on children, families, and employees every day, you'll find this role incredibly rewarding. Primary Responsibilities Leadership & Team Development Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop swim instructors. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Conduct performance evaluations and create development plans. Build leadership capacity within the swim school. Operations Oversee all daily swim school operations. Ensure compliance with all Aqua‑Tots standards, policies, and safety procedures. Maintain staffing levels and optimize scheduling. Ensure the facility is clean, safe, and operating efficiently. Financial Performance Manage labor and payroll. Drive enrollment, retention, and revenue growth. Monitor key performance indicators and implement improvement strategies. Develop action plans to achieve operational and financial goals. Customer Experience Lead a culture of exceptional customer service. Resolve escalated customer concerns. Build relationships with families and strengthen community engagement. Ensure high levels of member satisfaction and retention. Business Development Support local marketing initiatives and community partnerships. Collaborate with corporate leadership to achieve strategic objectives. Identify opportunities to improve operations and grow the business. Qualifications 3+ years of leadership experience managing teams in hospitality, fitness, education, healthcare, retail, or aquatics. Proven experience leading operations and developing high‑performing teams. Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting and KPI management. Excellent communication, coaching, and problem‑solving skills. Must be able to work evenings and at least one weekend. Ability to work in a warm, humid, chlorinated aquatic environment for extended periods. Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds. Benefits 401(k) and matching Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Application Question(s) Can you consistently work evenings and weekends? How many years of experience do you have leading a team of 15 or more employees? Describe your aquatic experience, including swim instruction, lifeguarding, coaching, pool operations, aquatic management, or other relevant experience. If you do not have aquatic experience, please describe any leadership or operational experience that has prepared you for this role. Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr Aqua-Tots Swim Schools - Surprise