General Manager

Our story began in the summer of 1994 when our founder taught 50 kids to swim in his parents’ backyard pool where Making Waves Swim School was born! It wasn’t a sophisticated business however, it gave us the freedom to focus on what mattered most – our student’s progress in the pool, connecting with families and giving back to our community.

Now, over twenty-nine years later, we have five locations in Brampton, Milton, Mississauga, Vaughan and Guelph and teach over 8,000 students per week in learn-to-swim programs. Our award-winning water safety programs have produced thousands of confident swimmers, while staying true to the care, enthusiasm and passion put into that first summer.

Our Canadian roots also means the more diversity we have in our team, the more unique perspectives and fun ideas we share. It fuels our passion and connects us closer to our families and the communities we serve. We cheer for diversity in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective. And, we’ll do whatever it takes to create an environment where everyone can do their best work and be their best selves.

ROLE:

The General Manager will be responsible for supporting the operations of the business which includes, professionally executing our learn-to-swim programs and maintaining key business metrics while keeping quality and service consistently high at all locations. It is important for the General Manager to have the ability to maintain a culture of service and positive morale, at the same time focus on building the bench-strength of the Operations team through consistent and supportive coaching and feedback.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Day-to-day operations:

• Ensure that all business operations – sales, program delivery, project management, maintenance, risk management, human resources are conducted in compliance with established best practices, processes, and policies
• Drive the success of all operations through supportive direction, guidance, coaching and mentorship of Facility Managers
• Manage and ensure KPIs and key metrics are being achieved for each location; developing sales and marketing action plans accordingly
• Identify process improvements to better effectively run the day-to-day operations and execute those changes with the right stakeholders
• Lives the core values and leads by example to all staff
• Take on other projects as required

Employee Management:

• Conduct weekly / monthly feedback discussions with all direct reports to discuss performance, operations and encourage innovative thinking
• Supports Facility Managers in crisis management and employee support
• Support employee engagement plans across the team / locations
• Plan and organize the recruitment and placement of staff on an ongoing basis and assist Facility Managers in staff development plans

Operational Efficiency:

• Provide advice and guidance to the senior leadership team regarding projects/program rollouts, ensuring efficient process delivery approaches and effective change management principles are applied
• Work closely with the other members of senior leadership and other departments to strategically plan and manage the implementation and execution of operational initiatives, programs and new facility launches
• Build communication and collaboration bridges across the company by sharing best practices, looking for cross initiatives, collaboration opportunities and ensuring consistency in processes and systems

Reporting:

• Analyze daily, weekly and monthly reporting of Operations KPIs
• Oversee and approve budgets and spending
• Conduct and support Quarterly Business Reviews
• Keep senior leadership informed with detailed and accurate updates and reporting

REQUIREMENTS & SKILLS:

• 5 or more years experience as a General Manager or other managerial position
• Post-secondary education in business or related field
• Proven experience in training, coaching, and mentoring managers and employees
• Exceptional conflict resolution, negotiation, and objection handling skills
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to coordinate, organize and lead effective and motivating team meetings
• Outstanding knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics
• Proficient in Google Suite

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to travel extensively to work at Making Waves locations across Southern Ontario
• Exposure to swimming pools and warm air conditions
• Standing for extended periods of time
• Required to work flexible hours inclusive of evenings and weekends

BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary + Bonus
• Paid Time-Off
• Cell Phone Subsidy
• Employee Discount
• Fitness Subsidy
• Health & Dental Benefits

REPORTS TO:

• COO

JOB LOCATION

• We love hiring local, we are committed to finding top talent within our community!
• Making Waves Head Office: 9 George Street North in Brampton, Ontario

We will carefully review your application and respond personally to applicants that best match the qualifications for the open positions. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other factors prohibited by law.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.