Aquatic Services Manager

Take the plunge into an exciting leadership opportunity as the Aquatic Services Manager at Wai o Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre, a vibrant, community-focused facility open seven days a week.

Stratford District Council is on the hunt for a dynamic and driven individual to lead the day-to-day operations of this busy hub, ensuring it remains a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all.

You'll oversee everything from team leadership and customer experience to health and safety, budgeting, facility maintenance, and programme delivery. Working alongside a team of coordinators across lifeguarding, aquatic education, fitness, and customer service, you will ensure our offerings stay fresh, engaging, and well-utilised - while bringing your own ideas to grow and enhance the facility.

If you're a confident leader with a passion for community wellbeing and the ability to juggle operational detail with strategic thinking, we want to hear from you. Dive into a role where your leadership can truly make waves.

Flexibility with work hours will be required due to the facility's operational hours, and some weekend work may be required.

This position is full time (40 hours per week) and is located at Wai-O-Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre, Portia Street, Stratford. The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000 per annum with the appointed starting level dependent on the skills and experience of the candidate.

About You

You'll bring experience managing recreation or aquatic facilities and leading teams in a customer-facing environment. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills are a must, along with a focus on safety and service quality.

Being a confident communicator, you will have the ability to build strong relationships with customers, staff and stakeholders. You are personable, approachable and resilient, with the ability to be calm, composed, and optimistic in high pressure situations. As an active problem-solver you will seek opportunities to develop and grow the aquatic programmes and have a commitment to continuous improvement.

While not essential, previous lifeguarding experience with a current practicing certificate is preferable. Certificates in swim teaching, water treatment and chemical handling will also be an advantage.

Why work with us?

Our staff will tell you the best thing about working here is the people, a great staff culture is important to us. We have a positive, energetic work environment with plenty of laughter. Our customers and our communities are at the centre of what we do, and our people are what makes it work. If you join us, you will also benefit from ongoing professional development, a flexible working policy, te reo learning assistance, regular health checks opportunities, subsidised pool visits, an active social club, and free car parking!

About us

The Stratford District sits in the heart of the Taranaki region, and is the gateway to Taranaki Maunga and the famous Forgotten World Highway. Our district is home to stunning parks and gardens, and there are countless opportunities to explore the landscape, arts and culture and local history. Working in Stratford gives you the best of both worlds; the lifestyle benefits of living in the world-renowned Taranaki region, paired with a workplace that values work-life balance. As a staff member of Stratford District Council there's a lot to be proud of and we welcome you to be part of the experience.

How to apply

To apply for this job go to

Applications close 02 November 2025

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