We're looking for a motivated and people-focused leader to guide our Swim School team, support their development, and ensure our programmes continue to grow. With enrolments up over 10% in the past year, we need a strong leader to inspire our team and give more people in our community the life-saving water skills they need.

You'll create a supportive, high-performing environment where instructors thrive and our customers succeed, shaping the future of one of Southland's most trusted community programmes.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead, coach and motivate all team members, ensuring a high-performance team that develops professionally and delivers best practice.
• Ensure all Swim Teachers hold AUSTSWIM - Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety certificate and are working towards gaining an NZ Certificate in Aquatics (Swim and Water Safety Teacher) (Level 3).
• Ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the ILT Learn to Swim Programme and the Splash Palace Learn to Swim Programme.
• Ensure the quality of the Learn to Swim Programmes for all levels of the community (infants to adults) meets industry best practice.
• Deliver a high level of customer service and provide a prompt response to all customer queries.
• Prepare ILT School learn to swim annual forecast and actual participation spreadsheets for funding applications and accountability processes.
• Develop a strategic programme for the Swim School ensuring its ability to continue to grow whilst keeping up with demand and staying abreast of changes in learn to swim best practice.
• Alongside management, work within the financial activities and budgets under your control in accordance with Council guidelines, timelines and delegated responsibilities In conjunction with the Council's Communications and Marketing team, lead the effective marketing and promotion of the Swim School to schools, members of the public and the wider community through the use of social media, websites, newsletters, and any other promotional activity.

What you will bring:

• Tertiary qualification in management, sports and recreation or other related subjects
• At least 3 years-experience as a team leader or supervisor
• Demonstrated experience managing staff including recruitment and performance reviews
• A demonstrated ability to relate to people across all age ranges with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Current First Aid Certificate (or ability to obtain)

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments e.g. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill offers a lifestyle that's relaxed, rewarding, and easy to enjoy. Short commutes make getting to work stress-free, while access to beaches, rivers, parks, and nature reserves gives you plenty of options for weekends and downtime. With a friendly, welcoming community, affordable living, and family-friendly amenities, Invercargill makes it simple to balance work, life, and play - all in a city full of character, charm, and opportunities to truly feel at home.

The Invercargill City Council is committed to the wellbeing and protection of children, the elderly and vulnerable adults. As a component of this role involves interaction with one or more of the above groups, as part of the assessment of candidates, we will require Police Vetting as per the Children's Act 2014 and a Pre-employment Alcohol and Drug Screening test to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our customers and members of the public.

For more information please see the full position description or contact the Invercargill City Council on (03) 211 1777. Apply online at Jobs - Invercargill City Council

Applications close 7 November 2025. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Successful applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be reviewed, first priority will be given to those applicants who are currently residing in New Zealand.