Senior Manager - Watersports

Division: Red Sea Sport & Entertainment (RSSE)Department: WAMACompany: Red Sea Sport & Entertainment Red Sea Sport & Entertainment (RSSE), a subsidiary of Red Sea Global (RSG), is responsible for designing and delivering world-class land and marine experiences at The Red Sea destination. RSSE operates a diverse portfolio of sports, adventure, and leisure offerings, including watersports through Galaxea, adventure experiences via Akun, and leisure programs via WAMA.RSSE also partners with the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee to deliver inclusive, accessible, and high-quality sports experiences, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global leader in regenerative tourism.Red Sea Sport & Entertainment – Where Nature Inspires Elevated Adventure.Job PurposeThe Senior Manager – Watersports is a strategic leadership role responsible for the overall direction, development, and operational excellence of all WAMA watersports programs across Red Sea Global destinations.This role oversees a diverse portfolio of non-motorized and motorized watersports activities—including sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and foiling—ensuring the consistent delivery of safe, innovative, and world-class guest experiences.The Senior Manager is accountable for driving operational performance, commercial success, and service excellence, while embedding sustainability, safety, and brand standards across all touchpoints. This position plays a critical role in positioning RSSE as a leading global watersports operator, while contributing to long-term growth, product innovation, and destination differentiation.Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Leadership & DirectionDefine and execute the strategic vision for watersports operations across all assigned destinations.Drive the development, expansion, and diversification of watersports offerings aligned with business objectives and guest expectations.Position WAMA as a world-class watersports provider through innovation, service excellence, and unique programming.Contribute to long-term planning, budgeting, and investment strategies for watersports infrastructure and growth.2. Operational OversightOversee end-to-end watersports operations, ensuring seamless execution of daily activities across multiple sites.Ensure operational readiness, including staffing, equipment availability, and site preparedness.Establish and enforce SOPs, safety standards, and operational controls across all activities.Monitor environmental conditions, assess operational risks, and ensure safe on-water decision-making.Act as the escalation point for complex operational issues, incidents, and guest concerns.3. Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of supervisors, instructors, and operational staff.Implement structured training programs, certification pathways, and competency frameworks.Drive a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and guest-centric service.Support workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and performance management.4. Program Development & InnovationDesign and implement innovative watersports programs that enhance guest engagement and participation.Introduce new activities, technologies, and service concepts to elevate the overall experience.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate watersports into broader destination offerings.Continuously review and enhance program quality based on guest feedback and industry trends.5. Commercial Performance & Guest ExperienceDrive revenue generation through optimized programming, pricing strategies, and upselling opportunities.Ensure exceptional guest experience delivery, aligned with luxury hospitality standards.Oversee guest feedback management, service recovery, and continuous improvement initiatives.Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to utilization, satisfaction, and profitability.6. Safety, Quality & Environmental StewardshipUphold the highest standards of health, safety, and risk management across all operations.Ensure compliance with international watersports standards, certifications, and local regulations.Promote environmental awareness, marine conservation, and sustainable operating practices.Embed a culture of safety-first and responsible tourism across all teams and activities.7. Asset & Equipment ManagementOversee the lifecycle management, maintenance, and readiness of all watersports equipment and facilities.Ensure all assets meet safety, quality, and presentation standards.Support procurement, inventory management, and capital planning for watersports operations.8. Reporting & Continuous ImprovementDevelop and analyze operational reports, KPIs, and guest feedback metrics.Identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, cost optimization, and service enhancement.Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership.Drive continuous improvement aligned with international best practices and operational excellence.Job RequirementsQualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Hospitality, Tourism, or a related field (preferred).Minimum 8–10 years of experience in watersports operations, instruction, or resort management.Extensive expertise across multiple watersports disciplines, including sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP, kayaking, and foiling.Proven leadership experience managing multi-functional teams within a high-end or luxury environment.Strong track record in guest experience management, service excellence, and commercial performance.RYA Senior Instructor certification (or equivalent) required; RYA Powerboat Level 2 or higher preferred.Core CompetenciesStrong strategic leadership and operational management capabilities.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.High level of accountability with a strong safety and quality focus.Customer-centric mindset with experience handling high-end clientele.Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.Ability to lead in dynamic, multicultural, and fast-paced environments.Strong planning, organizational, and execution skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.Desirable SkillsAdditional certifications across watersports disciplines.Experience in sustainable tourism or environmental initiatives.Additional language proficiency (preferably Arabic).Experience in large-scale or multi-site destination operations.Job ContextOperates across Red Sea Global destinations in a multi-site leadership capacity.Requires flexibility to travel and work extended hours, including weekends and peak seasons.Oversees a diverse portfolio of watersports activities within a luxury tourism environment.Plays a critical role in delivering safe, innovative, and world-class watersports experiences while supporting destination growth and positioning.