Recreation & Leisure Operations Manager

Full-Time | Salaried | On-Site | ?Ewa Beach, Hawai?i

If you’re a people-first leader who thrives outdoors, enjoys developing teams, and knows how to keep a fast-moving operation running safely and smoothly, we’d love to meet you.

Wai Kai is looking for a Recreation & Leisure Operations Manager to help lead the day-to-day operations behind our Surf, Lagoon and Waterfront experiences.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can balance the big picture with what’s happening on the ground supporting our team, managing daily operations, maintaining strong safety standards, and helping create memorable experiences for our guests.

What You’ll Do

As part of our Recreation & Leisure team, you’ll work closely with the Director of Recreation & Leisure Activities to:

• Lead and support our frontline recreation and water activity teams

• Oversee daily Surf, Lagoon and Waterfront operations

• Manage scheduling, staffing and operational coverage

• Ensure teams, equipment and activity areas are ready for each day

• Coach, train and develop team members

• Support recruitment, onboarding and performance management

• Maintain strong safety practices, training requirements and operational procedures

• Respond to guest concerns and operational needs as they arise

• Track participation, guest feedback and operational performance

• Partner across Guest Experience, Facilities, Sales & Marketing, Food & Beverage and other Wai Kai teams

• Help bring new recreation programs and guest experiences to life

• Jump in and support the operation during busy periods, events or when the team needs an extra hand

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• 3+ years of experience in recreation, leisure, aquatics or a related field

• Previous leadership, supervisory or management experience preferred

• Experience leading teams, managing schedules and coordinating day-to-day operations

• Strong communication, organization and problem-solving skills

• A safety-first mindset and ability to remain calm and make decisions in a dynamic environment

• Comfort working collaboratively across different teams and departments

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Teams and administrative systems used for scheduling, reporting and communication

• CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard certifications preferred, or the ability to obtain them upon hire

A Little More About the Role

This is an on-site position at Wai Kai in ?Ewa Beach and a role that won’t keep you behind a desk all day. You’ll regularly be outdoors and around our water and recreation operations.

Schedule flexibility is important and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays based on operational needs. The position also requires frequent standing, walking, lifting and physical activity.

Why Wai Kai?

At Wai Kai, recreation is at the heart of what we do. From the Wai Kai Wave to our Lagoon and Waterfront activities, our team helps create experiences that bring people together through water, recreation and connection.

We’re looking for a leader who wants to be part of that, someone who cares about their team, takes pride in a safe and well-run operation, and understands that a great guest experience starts with the people delivering it.

Ready to make waves with us? Apply today and come be part of the team at Wai Kai.