Swim Manager (Virgin Active) X1
- Job Title: Swim Manager
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Industry: Health & Fitness / Sports / Leisure
- Job Type: Permanent
- Company: Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Company Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars
Job Purpose:
To lead and manage a dynamic, high-performing swim programme within the Virgin Active club environment, ensuring premium-quality swim instruction, safe operations, and an exceptional member experience. The Swim Manager is responsible for overseeing the swim team, driving swim programme revenue, maintaining safety compliance, and promoting an engaging environment for all members.
Key Responsibilities:
Swim Programme Management
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Oversee daily operations of all swim lessons (individual and group) for adults and children
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Continuously develop and innovate the swim programme and related offerings (e.g., holiday activities)
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Promote swim programmes to members through events and campaigns
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Ensure all scheduled lessons proceed as planned—no cancellations
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Align timetables with brand standards and seek sign-off from National Swim Manager
People & Team Management
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Recruit and manage swim instructors aligned with Virgin Active values
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Provide leadership, daily guidance, and ongoing development to the swim team
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Conduct performance reviews, 1:1s, and support career growth
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Ensure instructors remain compliant with training and safety standards
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Ensure all staff are water-safe and provide training if needed
Customer Experience
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Maintain high standards of member service and lesson delivery
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Handle complaints professionally and follow up within 24 hours
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Engage in club events and initiatives to drive member participation
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Use member feedback to adjust class formats and times to suit demand
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Actively drive NPS (Net Promoter Score) by influencing member satisfaction
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Promote member retention by fostering engagement and personal connection
Health & Safety
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Ensure all lessons are conducted in a safe, hazard-free environment
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Reinforce pool regulations and emergency procedures
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Maintain all swim equipment in safe working condition
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Complete annual refresher training in First Aid and AED
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Maintain valid Police Clearance Certificate
Financial & Admin Duties
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Manage swim department budget and meet revenue targets
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Oversee payroll accuracy for swim instructors
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Produce effective staff rotas aligned with FTE targets
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Provide regular reporting on performance, budget, and complaints
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Ensure administrative systems are accurate and up to date
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Maximise swim lesson sales opportunities within the club
Minimum Educational Requirements:
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Matric (Grade 12)
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Recognised Swim Qualification (Swim SA or equivalent)
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First Aid Level 1 and AED certification
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Police Clearance Certificate (current)
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Completion of Pro-active HOD Training Programme
Minimum Experience Requirements:
| Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Swim Programme Management | 1–2 years in a similar HOD or management role |
| Swim Instruction / Coaching | 2–3 years as a swim instructor or coach |
| Customer Service | Must have worked in a high-service environment |
| Administration & Reporting | Comfortable with Microsoft Office, reporting |
| Financial Management | Experience with budgeting and cost control |
| Sales / CRM | Knowledge of upselling, client retention |
Required Skills & Competencies:
| Skill / Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Ability to inspire, coach, and develop teams |
| Adaptability | Thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment |
| Customer Focus | Passionate about creating positive member experiences |
| Initiative & Problem Solving | Proactively identifies and resolves issues |
| Communication | Clear, confident, and effective communicator |
| Organisational Skills | Ability to plan, prioritise, and multitask |
| Analytical Thinking | Able to review trends, data, and reports to drive action |
| People Development | Coaches and mentors staff effectively |
| Team Collaboration | Works across departments with strong interpersonal skills |
Additional Preferences (Nice to Have):
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Wellness knowledge beyond health clubs
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Childcare knowledge
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Experience as a Duty or Service Manager
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Knowledge of learn-to-swim innovations and safety protocols
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A growth mindset and commitment to self-improvement
Why Join Virgin Active?
- Be part of a premium, purpose-driven brand that inspires people to live healthier lives
- Lead a dynamic team in delivering an extraordinary swim programme
- Access to ongoing training and development
- Make a difference in the lives of children and adults learning to swim
- Work in a collaborative, high-performance environment


