How to become an Operations Manager (Wet)

What is an Operations Manager?

An operations manager oversees the running of facilities focussing on areas such as safety, standards and customer service.

What do they do?

The job role of an operations manager includes:

-Ensuring an exceptional customer journey

-Making sure health and safety standards are being closely followed

-Managing and motivating teams such as recruitment, training, development and performance management, payroll and day to day management.

-Are organised on who is working at the facility at what time, and organising cover when necessary.

-Engaging with customers to establish feedback to improve the customer journey as well as functionality

-Deputise for the General Manager in their absence.

What qualifications do I need to become an Operations Manager?

-A degree level qualification in Business/ Communication related degree

-Health and Safety Qualification

-3 years of experience in Leisure Management

-NPLQ qualification

-Management of Swim School program

-Pool Plant Operators qualification

-First aid at work and AED

-Trainor assessor for NPLQ

-Management of Pool-Side staff and rota’s

-Management of Aquatics equipment (Zoggs)

-Sales Experience

-ASA Swimming qualification (Level 2)

What skills/experience will an employer look for?

-Good communication skills both verbally and written

-Excellent Team Leader

-Good basic computer skills, i.e. Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel

-Experience in recruiting, developing and managing employees

-Efficient at goal setting and achieving goals

-Thorough understanding of financial planning

-Knowledge of health and safety guidelines

What salary can I expect?

A salary such as £20k- £25k per year is normally offered.

Who might employ an Operations Manager?

As an Operations Manager, you are likely to be employed in the sport/leisure sector, mainly by leisure centres, gym’s and pools etc.

What are the best things about being an Operations Manager?

You will get the opportunity to develop a variety of skills due to the variety of roles that are included in your job description, such as liaising with customers on a daily basis to managing a team. This can only help increase your employability in future careers.

Are there any drawbacks?

With the amount of people you will be responsible for, there could be pressures that come with the job. Being a good communicator is essential, so if that is something that you don’t enjoy/ are not confident in, this is not the job for you.

More information:

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