Gameday Bay Indoor Waterpark Manager

Canton Ohio Opening Spring 2027 Hiring Fall 2026

Are you ready to help build something from the ground up Make a splash before we open our doors.

Gameday Bay is preparing to make waves in Canton Ohio with an exciting new indoor waterpark experience opening in Spring 2027. We are seeking an experienced enthusiastic and safety-focused Waterpark Manager to join our leadership team ahead of opening and play a key role in bringing the vision to life.

Due to the extensive lifeguard recruitment certification and training responsibilities associated with this role we anticipate hiring this position in October/November 2026 allowing ample time to build and train a best-in-class aquatic team before opening day.

This is a unique opportunity for an aquatic professional who enjoys leading teams developing talent creating memorable guest experiences and setting the standard for safety and operational excellence.

Why Join Gameday Bay

As the Waterpark Manager you wont simply inherit an operation. Youll help create one along with S&L Hospitality and the General Manager.

You will be responsible for recruiting developing certifying and leading the team that will deliver exceptional guest experiences from day one. Youll work alongside the General Manager and other department leaders to establish operating procedures launch programming build a strong safety culture and help prepare the facility for a successful grand opening.

What Youll Do

Lead Waterpark Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the indoor waterpark.
• Ensure the highest standards of guest safety cleanliness and service.
• Monitor attraction readiness facility conditions water chemistry and operational performance.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance teams to address preventative maintenance and equipment needs.

Build and Lead an Exceptional Team

• Recruit hire train schedule and retain lifeguards lead lifeguards supervisors and waterpark team members.
• Serve as a coach and mentor while creating a positive accountable team culture.
• Conduct ongoing skills evaluations emergency response drills and safety-focused training programs.

Champion Safety

• Lead all aquatic safety initiatives and emergency response preparedness.
• Maintain compliance with aquatic industry standards and applicable regulations.
• Promote and model a culture where guest and team member safety always comes first.

Create Memorable Guest Experiences

• Support special events seasonal programming community partnerships and group experiences.
• Collaborate with Sales Food & Beverage and Operations teams to deliver exceptional experiences for guests and groups.
• Assist with promotional activities and community outreach efforts.

Manage Department Performance

• Monitor labor costs operating expenses and departmental budgets.
• Evaluate operational metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain staffing levels that align with seasonal and operational demands.

What Were Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Minimum three years of leadership experience in aquatics waterparks or recreation.
• Experience supervising and developing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work evenings weekends holidays and peak operating periods as business demands require.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing an aquatic facility waterpark municipal pool recreation centeror similar operation.
• Experience leading aquatic events programming or special events.
• Working knowledge of pool operations water chemistry and aquatic safety programs.
• Bachelors degree in Recreation Hospitality Sports Management or a related field or equivalent experience.

Certifications

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain all required certifications including:

• Lifeguard Certification
• Lifeguard Instructor Certification
• CPR
• First Aid
• AED
• Oxygen Administration
• Any additional certifications required by the company certifying agency or applicable law

Candidates who already hold a current Lifeguard Instructor certification are strongly preferred.

This position is subject to successful completion of a background check as it relates to the responsibilities of the role.