- Permanent, Full-Time Position
- Drive, Lead and succeed
- Work for an organisation supporting the broader community
About Us
City of Ryde, just 12 kilometres from Sydney CBD, is a place of unique lifestyle and opportunity. It is home to an engaged and culturally diverse community of around 130,000 people, and a strong and growing Smart City economy including more than 13,000 local businesses, Macquarie Park, world-class hospitals, and a leading university. All balanced with beautiful bushland, riverfront parks, open spaces, and sport facilities.
Our council delivers a broad range of services, projects, programs, and events. We are actively committed to innovation, sustainability, resilience and providing exceptional customer experiences, and this relies on attracting and keeping great people. We offer a range of benefits, including flexible work arrangements, health and wellbeing programs, a learning and development program including study support, and a reward and recognition program.
About the Role
City of Ryde is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager – Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) to lead the strategic, operational and safety performance of one of the City’s key community facilities.
This role is responsible for the overall leadership, management and continuous improvement of the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre, ensuring the delivery of safe, sustainable and high‑quality aquatic services that meet community needs and align with Council’s strategic objectives.
As Manager – RALC, you will provide strong leadership across all aspects of aquatic operations, workforce management, safety, financial performance and stakeholder engagement. You will lead a large, multi‑disciplinary team and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive participation, customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic and operational leadership for the day‑to‑day management of the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre.
- Leading, developing and motivating a high‑performing, customer‑focused workforce.
- Overseeing the safe and compliant operation of aquatic facilities, including pools, plant, equipment and associated assets.
- Ensuring strong aquatic safety leadership, water safety practices and compliance with relevant legislation, standards and guidelines.
- Managing budgets, revenue streams and financial performance to ensure sustainability and value for money.
- Driving the delivery of high‑quality programs including learn‑to‑swim, recreation and community‑based initiatives.
- Developing and maintaining effective relationships with community groups, user groups, sporting organisations, schools and service providers.
- Reporting on operational and strategic performance and exercising delegations as authorised by the Chief Executive Officer.
About You
You are an experienced leader with a strong background in aquatic or leisure facility management. You bring a strategic mindset, sound judgement and a commitment to safety, customer service and continuous improvement. You thrive in a complex operational environment and are confident leading people, managing assets and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Essential Requirements
- Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience relevant to the operation of an Aquatic or Leisure Centre.
- Demonstrated experience in the successful operation of an aquatic, sports or leisure facility.
- Proven ability to lead, manage and develop a multi‑disciplinary workforce.
- Strong experience in aquatic operations, safety, compliance, risk and asset management.
- Demonstrated financial, business planning and contract management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and complex documentation.
- Current Senior First Aid and CPR certification.
- Current NSW Working with Children Check.
- Class C Driver Licence.
Your commencing annual salary will range from $174,509.82 to $226,862.77 + Superannuation, dependent on your experience and qualifications.
Culture & Benefits
- One Personal leave day a month
- Commitment to providing opportunities for work/life balance
- Hybrid work from home and office arrangements available for eligible positions
- Flexibility regarding start and finish times to suit your lifestyle
- Long service leave after 5 years, then accrued monthly
- 18 weeks paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
- 3 extra grant days at Christmas to ensure you have time to enjoy the holiday
- Annual performance reviews and Award increases
- Opportunity to sign up as a fitness passport member
- Various health & well-being initiatives (i.e. flu vaccinations, etc.)
How to apply
Please ensure you give full answers to the online application questions, showcasing your abilities and experience. Your answers, in conjunction with your resume, will determine if you are invited to an interview.
Please note you do not need a “password” to use our on-line application system, however you have the option save and return to your application prior to the closing date. In addition to answering the online questions, this position requires you to attach your Resume to complete the application process. Please note, you are not required to submit a cover letter or a statement addressing selection criteria.
Closing Date: Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:30pm
If you would like to know more, please see the position description or contact Megan Payne on 9952 8039 for a confidential discussion.
City of Ryde is committed to Equal Employment and Child Safety