At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve Virgin Active's Learn to Swim programme for exceptional member experiences.
- Company: Join Virgin Active, a leader in wellness and leisure experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Travel across the UK and collaborate with passionate teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives through swimming and wellness.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Swim Teaching Qualification and experience in leading swim programmes.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Virgin Active are committed to changing people’s lives for the better through wellness. Our team are dedicated to delivering a unique leisure and relaxation experience throughout all our clubs. All our team members pride themselves on incorporating Virgin Active values and ensuring the highest Brand Standards into their work, so our members can experience the finest facilities and service.
We take value in recruiting the very best team members who work behind the scenes to support our clubs in delivering a world class member experience. We are looking for a UK National Swim Manager to join our Product Team.
The UK National Swim Manager is responsible for leading and evolving Virgin Active's Learn to Swim programme, ensuring exceptional member experiences, strong commercial performance and consistently high standards across our clubs. Working closely with club and support office teams, you will drive participation, retention and revenue, while developing high performing swim teams and positioning swimming as a key pillar of the member journey.
The Role
- Lead the development and delivery of Virgin Active's national Learn to Swim strategy.
- Drive swim programme participation, retention and revenue across lessons, courses and private tuition.
- Use data and performance insights to optimise programme performance and support strategic decision making.
- Ensure exceptional lesson quality, member progression and a seamless Learn to Swim journey.
- Lead, coach and develop swim teams through structured development, mentoring and training initiatives.
- Support recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development of swim instructors across the UK.
- Ensure the highest standards of safety, safeguarding and programme delivery across all swim products.
- Collaborate with Regional Directors, General Managers and support office teams to drive performance and operational excellence.
- Champion swimming across the business, supporting innovation, best practice and continuous improvement.
- Travel across the UK to support clubs, projects and key strategic initiatives.
Experience
- Recognised Level 2 Swim Teaching Qualification (STA, Swim England or equivalent).
- Proven experience leading Learn to Swim programmes and driving commercial performance.
- Strong understanding of swim operations, pool programming and lesson delivery.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
- Data-driven with the ability to translate insight into clear actions and measurable outcomes.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Passion for delivering exceptional member experiences and helping people achieve their goals.
- Flexible approach to working hours and travel within a national role.
Great to Have
- Level 3 Swim Coaching Qualification or equivalent aquatic certification.
- Experience with leisure management systems, BI tools and performance reporting.
- Experience developing and scaling swim programmes, pathways or specialist products.
- Experience working within a multi site leisure, fitness or hospitality environment.
UK National Swim Manager employer: Virgin Active
At Virgin Active, we are dedicated to transforming lives through wellness, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about health and fitness. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the leisure industry. As a UK National Swim Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our Learn to Swim programme, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive environment that values excellence and member satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK National Swim Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Virgin Active. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Virgin Active. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace UK National Swim Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Virgin Active aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Active
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Virgin Active, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
