Division: Red Sea Sport & Entertainment (RSSE)
Department: WAMA
Company: 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 Purpose
The 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 Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Direction
- Define 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 Oversight
- Oversee 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 Development
- Lead, 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 & Innovation
- Design 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 Experience
- Drive 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 Stewardship
- Uphold 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 Management
- Oversee 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 Improvement
- Develop 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 Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor'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 Competencies
- Strong 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 Skills
- Additional 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 Context
- Operates 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.
