Swim School Centre Manager

Job Title: Centre Manager
Location: Stanway
Reports To: Head Office (Senior Manager / Managing Directors)
Employment Type: Full\-time / Permanent

About First Strokes Swim Schools

First Strokes Swim Schools Limited is an award\-winning swim school, operating from purpose\-built teaching pools and private facilities across multiple locations. We deliver high\-quality swimming lessons and structured teaching programmes for all ages and abilities.

Role Summary

The Centre Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of a First Strokes Swim School centre. This includes full accountability for operations, staff, customer experience, safety, and commercial performance.

The Centre Manager leads the Shift Managers and wider team, ensuring the centre runs efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards at all times, while achieving business objectives set by Head Office.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership \& Centre Management

• Take full responsibility for the day\-to\-day and strategic operation of the centre.


• Lead, manage, and support Shift Managers and the wider team, ensuring clear structure, accountability, and performance.


• Act as a key holder and be on call as required.


• Ensure premises security, including opening and closing procedures in line with company policy.


• Set high standards across all areas of the business, leading by example at all times.


• Ensure smooth daily operations across all departments, supporting or stepping into operational roles where required.

• Achieve business and operational targets set by Head Office.


• Drive customer engagement, retention, and growth through high service standards and local promotion.


• Support and deliver marketing initiatives, promotions, and events.


• Monitor centre performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.

• Oversee all daily operations, ensuring effective delivery of bookings, customer service, administration, and cleaning.


• Ensure Shift Managers effectively manage their responsibilities and maintain operational standards during all shifts.


• Maintain consistent delivery of swim programmes, ensuring quality, structure, and progression across all levels.


• Ensure smooth scheduling, class transitions, and programme delivery.


• Provide operational cover across all roles (Shift Manager, teaching team, lifeguard, leisure team) when required.

• Recruit, train, manage, and develop Shift Managers, Swim Teachers, Assistants, Lifeguards, and Leisure Team members.


• Ensure a structured onboarding process, including buddy systems and ongoing training programmes.


• Conduct appraisals, performance reviews, and regular staff check\-ins.


• Foster a positive, professional, and high\-performing team culture.


• Ensure all staff consistently follow First Strokes teaching methods, standards, and customer service expectations.

• Ensure outstanding customer service is delivered at all times.


• Handle escalated customer queries and complaints professionally and effectively.


• Support front\-of\-house operations where required, including bookings and enquiries.


• Ensure all communication (calls, emails, face\-to\-face) is handled professionally and efficiently.


• Promote swimming programmes and services to maximise customer satisfaction and retention.

• Take overall responsibility for health and safety within the centre.


• Ensure all policies, procedures, and safeguarding requirements are fully implemented and adhered to.


• Ensure all emergency procedures are understood and followed by staff.


• Oversee incident management and ensure appropriate reporting and follow\-up.


• Ensure compliance with all legislation relating to working with children.

• Oversee pool plant operations, water testing, and overall facility safety.


• Ensure regular pool water testing, backwashing, and plant checks are completed to required standards.


• Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly safety checks are completed and recorded.


• Monitor cleanliness, maintenance, and overall presentation of the centre.


• Identify and escalate maintenance issues, coordinating repairs with Head Office where required.

• Oversee all administrative processes, including bookings, reporting, and financial procedures.


• Ensure accurate cash handling, banking, and reconciliation in line with company procedures.


• Ensure effective use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Citation, Xero and CoursePro booking systems.


• Maintain accurate records, compliance documentation, and operational logs.

As an employee of First Strokes, you are required to obtain, maintain, and renew all mandatory qualifications and CPD requirements.

• ASA Level 1 (or STA equivalent)


• ASA Level 2 (or STA equivalent)


• RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or NRASTC


• First Aid Qualification


• SPTO Pool Plant Operator Certificate


• Pool Water Testing Certification


• Completion of Citation Health \& Safety training (in own time)

• Indoor pool environment with exposure to humidity and varying temperatures


• Shift work including evenings, weekends, and school holidays


• Role involves standing, walking, and regular poolside duties

• Proven management experience, ideally within a leisure, swimming, or customer service environment


• Strong leadership and team development skills


• Excellent organisational, administrative, and problem\-solving abilities


• Competence in Microsoft Office and booking systems


• Excellent communication and customer service skills


• Strong knowledge of health and safety in a pool environment


• Professional, reliable, and flexible approach

Benefits:

• Company pension


• Employee discount


• Free parking


• On\-site parking


• Store discount

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