Full Time Manager

Needham•Needham, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pool Operations Manager is a key leadership role focused on the quality of our swim lessons, the development of our instructors, and the overall safety and experience on the pool deck. This person helps coach, train, evaluate, and support the team members who teach lessons and supervise the pool area. This is a hands-on leadership role. The right person is comfortable giving feedback, jumping in to teach or supervise when needed, building relationships with team members and families, and helping create a strong culture of accountability, safety, and growth. Role Summary: The Pool Operations Manager is responsible for making sure our swim lessons are safe, high-quality, and consistent. They train and coach instructors, support supervisors, communicate with families, and help lead the team on the pool deck. This is a leadership role for someone who loves aquatics, enjoys developing people, and wants to make a meaningful impact on children and families.

Requirements

Current Ellis Lifeguarding Certification, or willingness/ability to obtain certification if applicable.
Strong understanding of swim lesson instruction, water safety, and child development.
Ability to lead, coach, and hold others accountable.
Comfortable giving direct, constructive feedback.
Strong communication skills with both employees and parents.
Ability to stay calm, professional, and solution-focused in a busy environment.
Passion for helping children become safer and more confident in the water.

Nice To Haves

Prior swim instruction, lifeguarding, aquatics leadership, or coaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, coaching, discipline, and constructive feedback to swim instructors and pool deck supervisors.
Help ensure lessons are being taught safely, consistently, and according to the Goldfish Swim School curriculum.
Work directly with instructors in and around the pool to improve their teaching skills, class management, and confidence.
Support new employees by building relationships, helping them understand expectations, and making sure they feel connected to the team.
Observe lessons regularly and provide clear, helpful feedback to improve instruction.
Complete written performance reviews for aquatic staff and pool deck supervisors.
Hold instructors and deck supervisors to a high standard for safety, professionalism, curriculum delivery, and customer experience.
Spend at least one shift per week in the water to observe and support lesson quality firsthand.
Partner closely with deck supervisors, who are responsible for overseeing lessons during each shift.
Provide advice, guidance, and support to deck supervisors as they lead instructors and manage the pool deck.
Help deck supervisors work with students at different levels of the program, including children progressing through intermediate and advanced swim skills.
Lead monthly meetings with deck supervisors and management to review staff performance, identify trends, and plan future trainings.
Speak with parents and guardians about student progress, lesson quality, and next steps in their child’s swim journey.
Act as a Goldfish Swim School ambassador by creating a positive, professional, and helpful experience for families.
Help ensure parents feel confident that their child is safe, supported, and making progress.
Step in as a swim instructor, deck supervisor, or deck teacher when needed.
Help with lesson supplies, ribbons, student celebrations, and other pool deck responsibilities.
Support the team during busy shifts to make sure lessons run smoothly and safely.
Assist with one W.A.T.E.R. Safety presentation each month, preferably outside the school, to help educate the community about water safety.