Carlile Swim – Head of Operations – Queensland
📍 Queensland-based | 🕒 Full Time
Lead with purpose. Scale with impact. Shape the future of swim education in Queensland.
About US
Carlile Swim is Australia’s oldest and most respected learn-to-swim organisation. Founded by swimming pioneers Forbes and Ursula Carlile, we have led the industry for decades through exceptional swim education, water safety leadership, and deep community impact.
With more than 30 swim schools across Australia and continued growth underway, we are now seeking an experienced Head of Operations – Queensland to provide state-wide leadership across our Queensland network.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Operations – Queensland is a senior, people-led leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight and operational performance of Carlile Swim’s Queensland operations.
This role translates high-level strategy into practical, scalable solutions. You will lead diverse teams across multiple sites, drive operational consistency and performance, and ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of our programs.
This is a role for a leader who enjoys being close to the operation, builds strong relationships, and balances commercial outcomes with care for people, safety, and culture.
What You’ll Be Responsible For:
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Develop and implement state-wide operational strategies aligned to Carlile Swim’s vision, values, and growth objectives
- Translate strategy into clear objectives and actionable plans across Queensland centres
- Lead, coach, and develop Area Managers and operational leaders to build a high-performance, collaborative culture
- Lead change initiatives and embed new ways of working across a growing network
Safety, Risk & Safeguarding
- Champion a strong safety and safeguarding culture across all Queensland operations
- Ensure compliance with WHS legislation, child safeguarding requirements, RLSS GSPO, and industry standards
- Oversee incident management processes, including investigation, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement
- Proactively identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
Performance & Commercial Outcomes
- Deliver revenue, utilisation, retention, and profitability targets for Queensland
- Identify and implement growth opportunities, including scheduling optimisation, extended trading, and service enhancements
- Leverage data and analytics to monitor performance and drive informed operational decisions
- Ensure compliance with approved financial, operational, and employment frameworks
People & Talent
- Build strong engagement and leadership capability across Queensland teams
- Strengthen succession planning and internal leadership pathways
- Ensure training and development plans are implemented effectively and within budget
- Foster an inclusive, psychologically safe, and high-trust environment
Assets, Quality & Family Experience
- Oversee asset and facilities management, including preventative maintenance and capital expenditure planning
- Ensure consistent application of operational standards, policies, and quality assurance processes
- Act as the escalation point for moderate to critical family experience matters, protecting brand reputation
This Role Is a Great Fit If You Are…P.A.C.E
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Passionate – bring energy, purpose, and heart to leading people and improving outcomes
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All In – take ownership, act with intention, and lead decisively at scale
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Connected – build trust and strong relationships across teams, families, and stakeholders
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Evolving – stay curious, data-driven, and open to change as the business grows
You’ll also bring:
- Senior multi-site operational leadership experience
- Strong people leadership and change management capability
- A proven ability to deliver performance through teams
- A values-led approach to safety, safeguarding, and culture
- The ability to be Queensland-based, with travel across the state as required
Why Join Carlile Swim?
- Lead within a nationally respected organisation with an 80-year legacy
- Influence operations at scale and shape the future of swim education in Queensland
- Work with a values-driven leadership team that genuinely prioritises people, safety, and growth
- Be part of an organisation deeply committed to safeguarding children and young people
All appointments are subject to relevant background checks and safeguarding requirements.
Ready to Lead with Impact?
If you’re a senior operational leader ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply please supply a cover letter and resume to support your application.
