Senior Manager - Watersports

From Land to Sea – Active Experiences in Nature’s Purest Form

Red Sea Sports & Entertainment (RSSE) is a subsidiary of Red Sea Global (RSG) and focuses on delivering land and marine experiences at The Red Sea destination. RSSE is responsible for managing and operating various sports and recreational activities at The Red Sea, including water sports (Galaxea), adventure sports (Akun), and general recreation (WAMA). 

RSSE plays a central role in the partnership between Red Sea Global and the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, aiming to create more inclusive and accessible sports and recreation experiences.

We are purpose-driven and committed to people and planet. Our transformative programs are a driving force to achieving Vision 2030, as well as leading the world towards regenerative tourism.

Red Sea Sports & Entertainment – Where Nature Meets Elevated Adventure!

Job Purpose:

The Senior Manager – Watersports is a leadership role within the WAMA function at Red Sea Sports & Entertainment (RSSE), responsible for planning, developing, and delivering world-class watersports and marine adventure operations across Red Sea destinations.

The role ensures the successful concept development, operational rollout, and continuous improvement of watersports tourism assets while maintaining alignment with RSG’s sustainability, safety, and guest experience standards. Working closely with the Cluster Manager – WAMA and Director of Sports & Adventure, the role bridges strategy and operations, ensuring efficient execution across multiple sites and building high-performing operational teams.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategy & Planning

• Support the Cluster Manager – WAMA in developing and executing the watersports strategy across RSSE destinations.
• Contribute to the planning and development of watersports and marine adventure tourism assets.
• Ensure watersports operations are commercially viable, scalable, and aligned with RSG destination objectives.
• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) on watersports operations, global trends, and best practices.

Operations & Delivery

• Lead operational planning and rollout of watersports centers and related marine adventure facilities.
• Establish and manage operational teams to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee implementation and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor operator performance and maintain operational excellence across all watersports locations.
• Support integration of watersports offerings into broader destination and tourism development projects.

Governance, Safety & Compliance

• Collaborate with Health & Safety and Legal teams to ensure regulatory compliance, licensing, and safe operations.
• Conduct safety audits, operational reviews, and program evaluations.
• Ensure watersports operations comply with RSG environmental, sustainability, and marine conservation standards.

Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with internal departments, project teams, and third-party operators to ensure successful delivery of watersports programs.
• Manage relationships with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers.
• Support development of internal and external communications, reports, and presentations.

Asset & Performance Management

• Work closely with Asset Management to monitor operator standards and asset performance.
• Oversee training programs and continuous professional development (CPD) for watersports teams.
• Ensure lifecycle planning, maintenance, and replacement of watersports equipment.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, cost effectiveness, and service quality.
• Promote innovation and adoption of international best practices across watersports operations.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

• Follow all relevant RSG policies, processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure work is carried out in a controlled, consistent, and compliant manner.
• Prepare accurate and timely MIS reports and operational updates as required.

Health, Safety, Quality & Environment

• Apply RSG safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all regulatory and environmental standards.
• Support sustainable marine operations aligned with conservation and ecological objectives.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to improving departmental systems, processes, and practices in line with international standards.
• Support initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce cost, and improve operational performance.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications & Experience:

• Yachtmaster Offshore certification.
• Senior Sailing Instructor with advanced and multi-vessel qualifications.
• Recognized Sailing Dinghy and Advanced Powerboat/Safety Boat certifications.
• VHF (GMDSS) Radio Operator License.
• Water Sports Health & Safety certification.
• Strong experience in technical watersports operations management.
• Proven experience managing watersports programs and teams in international environments.
• Established network within global watersports and marine sports industry.
• Experience supporting large-scale international marine or sporting events preferred.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and operational management capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of global and regional watersports markets.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Strong procurement and supplier management capability.
• High attention to detail with strong reporting and documentation skills.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and results-driven.
• Customer-focused with strong service orientation.
• Strong interest in marine sustainability, conservation, and environmental responsibility.