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
Oversee daily operations of all swim lessons (individual and group) for adults and children
Continuously develop and innovate the swim programme and related offerings (e.g., holiday activities)
Promote swim programmes to members through events and campaigns
Ensure all scheduled lessons proceed as planned—no cancellations
Align timetables with brand standards and seek sign-off from National Swim Manager
People & Team Management
Recruit and manage swim instructors aligned with Virgin Active values
Provide leadership, daily guidance, and ongoing development to the swim team
Conduct performance reviews, 1:1s, and support career growth
Ensure instructors remain compliant with training and safety standards
Ensure all staff are water-safe and provide training if needed
Customer Experience
Maintain high standards of member service and lesson delivery
Handle complaints professionally and follow up within 24 hours
Engage in club events and initiatives to drive member participation
Use member feedback to adjust class formats and times to suit demand
Actively drive NPS (Net Promoter Score) by influencing member satisfaction
Promote member retention by fostering engagement and personal connection
Health & Safety
Ensure all lessons are conducted in a safe, hazard-free environment
Reinforce pool regulations and emergency procedures
Maintain all swim equipment in safe working condition
Complete annual refresher training in First Aid and AED
Maintain valid Police Clearance Certificate
Financial & Admin Duties
Manage swim department budget and meet revenue targets
Oversee payroll accuracy for swim instructors
Produce effective staff rotas aligned with FTE targets
Provide regular reporting on performance, budget, and complaints
Ensure administrative systems are accurate and up to date
Maximise swim lesson sales opportunities within the club
Minimum Educational Requirements:
Matric (Grade 12)
Recognised Swim Qualification (Swim SA or equivalent)
First Aid Level 1 and AED certification
Police Clearance Certificate (current)
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):
Wellness knowledge beyond health clubs
Childcare knowledge
Experience as a Duty or Service Manager
Knowledge of learn-to-swim innovations and safety protocols
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