Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō - Working together for Wellington's future!

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Pools Operations Manager to join our leadership team at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre (WRAC).

This is more than just a job - it's a rare and rewarding opportunity to take ownership of the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of a facility that plays a central role in regional and national aquatic events.
 

Āu ake mahi - What you'll do

As the Pools Operations Manager, you'll report to the WRAC Manager and be a key contributor to shaping the long-term strategy and vision of the facility. You'll foster a strong staff culture and ensure the centre continues to be a benchmark for safety, service and innovation in aquatic programming.

Your leadership will ensure the delivery of high-quality aquatic services that meet diverse community needs - ranging from water safety and fitness to major sporting events. This role is ideal for someone passionate about staff development, operational excellence and delivering outstanding customer experiences.
 

Our facility includes:

• 50m heated indoor competition pool
• 5m deep diving pool with 2-10m boards
• Toddler and spray pools
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Learn-to-swim programme pool
• Gym, spa and sauna

For more information on our facility click here.
 

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the operations team to achieve high standards in safety, water quality, customer experience and facility presentation
• Cultivate effective communication and engagement with internal teams to ensure aligned goals and ongoing collaboration
• Partner with our Customer Service Team Leader to plan and deliver a wide range of aquatic activations and events
• Implement and improve operational systems, including health and safety compliance, risk management and emergency protocols
• Drive staff training, coaching and career development initiatives
• Contribute to rostering, budget planning and financial oversight
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation across all service areas
   

Ngā tohu me ngā wheako - Qualifications and experience

You will be a passionate and capable leader, committed to community wellbeing, team development and operational excellence. You thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where no two days are the same. You're someone who sees challenges as opportunities and people as your greatest asset.
 

We're looking for someone with:

• At least three years' hands-on experience in an aquatic or pool facility, with 12 plus months in a leadership role
• A current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate (Level 2) and Pool Lifeguard Skills Award. Holding a PLPC assessor qualification or similar is also desirable
• Strong operational knowledge of pool management, including water treatment and familiarity with policies, procedures, SOPs and emergency action plans
• Proven ability to lead, coach and inspire high-performing teams
• Experience planning and delivering aquatic programmes and events
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• PLPC assessor qualification or similar (desirable)

The starting salary for this role is $103,494 and appointment will be dependent on relevant skills and experience.
 

Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you

Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including five weeks annual leave, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.

View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
 

Diversity

We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
 

Accessibility support

We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
 

Pre-employment checks

All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check, the results of which will be held on your employee file if employed, and be prepared to obtain and maintain a Police Vetting check.

Please note this role is safety sensitive and will require you to undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol, health and musculoskeletal testing, the results of which will be held on your employee file if successful.

The Council uses the AS/NZ drug standard to determine the cut off levels for drug testing. Some prescription drugs may be included within this standard.
 

Closing details

Applications close Sunday, 07 June 2026.

Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

All applications must be submitted online and applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand - we will not accept emailed applications.

If you have questions, please contact Fiona Hurley, WRAC Manager, Fiona.Hurley@wcc.govt.nz

To apply for this role, please copy and paste the following link to the Wellington City Council careers website: https://careers.wellington.govt.nz/jobdetails/ajid/N2909/Operations-Manager-Wellington-Regional-Aquatic-Centre-WRAC-,51865.html