Job Description

Assistant General Manager

Goldfish Swim School

Position: Assistant General Manager

Location: Braintree, MA

Reports To: General Manager

About Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School is a premier learn-to-swim facility for kids 4 months to 12 years. We are dedicated to teaching children to be safe in and around the water while making their experience Golden. Our schools follow a proven curriculum in a fun, tropical environment that ensures safety and progress in every lesson while building character and confidence.

This location is part of a seven-school ownership group recognized as 2024 International Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year, with a sister location named Goldfish School of the Year in 2024.

Position Summary

As Assistant General Manager, you will partner closely with the General Manager to run daily operations at our Braintree school, with primary ownership of the aquatics side of the business. You will lead swim instruction quality, coach deck staff, and keep the pool environment safe and on standard, while helping build a positive, high-energy team culture. This role is the aquatics and curriculum counterpart to the General Manager, and the two of you will share an office and work hand in hand.

Key Responsibilities

Aquatics and Curriculum Leadership

• Own swim instruction quality across the school, ensuring lessons follow the Goldfish curriculum and every child progresses safely
• Train, observe, and coach swim instructors and deck staff, including new-hire in-water training shifts before instructors lead classes
• Oversee deck supervisors on class scheduling, student progress, and lesson-quality issues
• Maintain a safe and sanitary pool environment and lead pool operations day to day

Operational Support

• Partner with the General Manager to run daily operations according to GSS standard operating procedures
• Manage shifts and resolve coverage issues, stepping in as manager on duty as needed
• Direct and support the implementation of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and all facility safety procedures, and train staff on the EAP
• Help oversee retail, vending, and private party operations to keep them on brand standard

Team and Customer Experience

• Coach and mentor a predominantly young hourly team, setting clear expectations and holding staff accountable while keeping morale high
• Support front desk and sales staff with training focused on customer service and lead conversion
• Deliver a best-in-class experience for families through visible, face to face communication on the floor
• Help lead internal culture efforts that improve staff satisfaction and retention

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; some college preferred
• Aquatics background required. Two or more years as a swim instructor, or equivalent experience as a certified lifeguard, deck supervisor, or aquatics coordinator
• Experience leading or training staff, ideally a young hourly team, is strongly preferred
• Experience as a youth sports instructor, coach, camp counselor, or childcare provider is a plus

Certificates and Licenses

• Lifeguard, CPR, AED, and First Aid certification required. Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license required after hire
• Lifeguard Instructor certification is a plus

What We Are Looking For

• A strong aquatics operator who complements the General Manager, aquatics-first where the GM is operations and people-first
• Consistent, communicative, and quick to take initiative without being asked
• Outgoing and team-oriented, someone who helps build a fun, positive culture
• Above all, a great attitude and a genuine commitment to kids, families, and water safety

Compensation and Benefits

• $55,000 to $70,000, based on experience, plus a metric-driven quarterly incentive 
• PPO healthcare, plus dental and vision
• 401(k) available after one year of employment
• Paid time off; school closed for most holidays
• Paid training and development
• Opportunity for advancement within a growing seven-location group, including a path toward General Manager

Work Environment

Moderate noise level; regular exposure to heat and humidity. Must be able to work some evening and weekend hours. The typical management schedule runs Tuesday through Saturday.

Goldfish Swim School is an equal opportunity employer.