Are you an exceptional people leader who thrives on developing others and wants to be part of  building a Are you an exceptional people manager who thrives on developing others and wants to be part of genuine cultural and operational change?

At State Sport Centres, we’re passionate about inspiring people through sport and activity. We’re looking for an Aquatic Operations Team Leader (People & Performance) to take the lead in developing our frontline teams and driving a culture of excellence across our aquatic operations. 

About the role

As the Aquatic Operations Team Leader (People & Performance), you’ll play a pivotal role in leading our lifeguard workforce and supporting safe, seamless and exceptional aquatic experiences. 

This role is strongly focused on people leadership. You’ll be responsible for building capability, driving performance, and fostering a positive, inclusive culture while overseeing day-to-day aquatic operations. You’ll work closely with leaders across the business to embed change, improve performance, and ensure our teams feel supported, empowered and set up to succeed. 

Flexibility is essential, including availability to work weekends as part of a rotating leadership roster aligned to operational needs.

Your primary responsibilities will include

• Lead and develop your team through coaching, performance management, and clear communication  
• Create a high-performing, inclusive culture that drives engagement and excellent customer service  
• Manage workforce performance including rostering, staffing, and training to ensure capability and compliance  
• Partner across the business to support operations, respond to feedback, and continuously improve performance 

About you

You’re a proven people leader with experience in aquatics, recreation, sport or a similar frontline operational environment. You’re confident leading teams through change, comfortable balancing people and performance, and known for your ability to build trust and bring out the best in others. 

You’ll also bring 

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams in a comparable industry 
• Strong capability in coaching, performance management and workforce planning 
• Confidence managing rosters and operational priorities in a dynamic environment 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and inspire diverse teams 
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership 
• Flexibility to work weekends as required 

Required skills and Qualifications

• Current Victorian Working with Children’s Check (Employee)  
• Full Australian working rights  
• Provide First Aid Certification  
• Pool Lifeguard Qualification  
• Aquatic Technical Operators Certificate  
• Proven experience leading teams in aquatics, recreation, or similar environments  
• A strong track record in people leadership, coaching, and performance development  
• Confidence managing rosters, workforce planning, and operational priorities  
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence, motivate and support diverse teams  
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership  

Why is this a great place to work? 

Our Patrons and Teams 

• You’ll be surrounded by elite athletes daily and supporting a wide range of elite sports and world-class events, as well as community sport and recreation
• You’ll be challenged daily and can develop yourself as a person as well as gaining valuable career skills
• You’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive team of people who are great to work with

Our Venues 

• Free parking 
• MSAC Gym and Performance Membership including family and friends’ discounts 
• Discount at SSCT food & beverage and retail outlets  
• Complimentary court hire for casual bookings across SSCT venues 

Our Workplace 

• Training and professional development 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Employee Assistance Program providing free confidential support for your mental health 
• Inclusive environment recognising our diverse workforce and community 
• Employee recognition through our Values in Action program 

Join us in our mission to help people to be excited about sport, engage in healthy activity and feel inspired to be their best. 

How to apply 

Please send through a resume and cover letter supporting your application for this exciting role with State Sport Centres.  We will be reviewing applications and commencing interviews as they come in, so please don't delay in applying.  For further information please contact Abs Grant, Talent Acquisition Business Partner +61 3 9926 1358 

SSCT values diversity, is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and from people with disabilities.  

The State Sport Centres Trust (SSCT) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children of young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have a zero tolerance for racism, child abuse, discrimination and inequality. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are visitors to our venues and facilities. Successful applicants will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check before being able to commence employment.