Senior Manager - Dive Operations

Job Information

Job Title: Senior Manager – Dive Operations
Reports To: Galaxea Cluster Manager
Division: Red Sea Sports & Entertainment (RSSE)
Department: RSSE
Job Grade: Senior Manager
Job Code: SP8

Job Purpose

The Senior Manager – Dive Operations is a senior, site-based leadership role accountable for the end-to-end establishment, launch, and ongoing operation of the dive center at the designated asset. The role plays a critical part during pre-opening and opening phases by contributing to operational readiness, recruitment, system setup, and compliance with international dive, safety, and environmental standards.

Once operational, the role carries full responsibility for operational excellence, overseeing daily dive operations, underwater tourism activities, and guest experiences while ensuring the highest levels of safety, service quality, brand consistency, and environmental stewardship.

This position leads and develops the dive operations team, manages dive programs, training and certification courses, retail and sales performance, and ensures the professional appearance, functionality, and reputation of the dive center. The Senior Manager acts as a subject-matter expert, operational leader, and brand ambassador, delivering exceptional, safe, and memorable marine experiences in alignment with Galaxea and Red Sea Global standards. 🌊

Job Responsibilities

General Management & Leadership

• Report directly to the Galaxea Cluster Manager and actively support the establishment and ongoing operation of the dive center at the assigned asset.

• Ensure the efficient, safe, and professional day-to-day running of all dive center operations.

• Support the Galaxea Cluster Manager in the development and operationalization of additional dive centers across other assets as required.

• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing dive team of up to 13 personnel, fostering a strong safety culture and service mindset.

• Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development for all dive team members.

• Work closely with Sustainability and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) departments to align operations with sensitive and high-profile environmental requirements related to marine life and underwater tourism.

• Maintain flexibility to work remotely and attend office or site visits as operationally required.

• Ensure full adherence by all team members to the DSM Red Sea Global Dive Safety Manual and related policies.

Establishment of Dive Center – Pre-Opening

• Collaborate with the Galaxea Cluster Manager in the planning, setup, and delivery of the dive center and all associated operational components.

• Coordinate with relevant RSG departments during the delivery phase to ensure operational readiness, phased openings, and timely achievement of targets.

• Contribute to the development of operational layouts, equipment sourcing, staffing models, procedures, and training plans.

Establishment of Dive Center – Post-Opening & Operations

• Maintain and enforce the highest operational and safety standards, with safety always as the top priority.

• Ensure all dive activities, excursions, and courses are conducted in a professional, safe, and compliant manner.

• Oversee dive training and certification programs, ensuring instructors strictly follow training agency standards and apply conservative, safety-focused practices.

• Ensure accurate, up-to-date records are maintained for all dive operations, training, equipment, and incidents.

• Lead, plan, analyze, and coordinate all dive-related sales activities, including retail operations, revenue generation, and upselling of dive experiences.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, guests, and the wider community.

Media & Brand Support

• When required, support the Destination Development team in facilitating media coverage, including photography and videography.

• Assist with media activities on an ad-hoc basis as directed by the Galaxea Cluster Manager or senior leadership, without detracting from core operational priorities.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Reporting

• Implement and adhere to all approved policies, standard operating procedures, systems, and work instructions to ensure consistent and controlled operations.

• Support the Senior Dive Operations Manager in preparing accurate and timely MIS reports and operational data in line with corporate standards.

Safety, Quality & Environment

• Apply all safety, quality, and environmental management policies and controls to ensure guest and employee safety, legal compliance, service excellence, and environmental responsibility.

• Actively promote marine conservation awareness and environmentally responsible diving practices.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and contribute to continuous improvement opportunities across systems, processes, and practices, aligned with international best practices, operational efficiency, cost optimization, and productivity enhancement.

Job Stakeholders

Internal:

• RSG Destination Development

• Group Environment & Sustainability

• Red Sea Zone Authority

External:

• Ministry of Tourism

• Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and its affiliated centers

• Universities and research institutions

Job Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Certified PADI Instructor

• Minimum of 500 logged dives

• Certified at least 50 students across core dive courses

• Proven experience in dive center and/or resort management across multiple geographic locations

• Strong background in dive business and/or hospitality operations

• Demonstrated diving health & safety expertise

• Experience in equipment management and dive retail operations

• Knowledge of marine conservation principles

• Valid Fit-to-Dive Medical

• Underwater photography and videography skills

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and spoken English

• Confident communicator with strong public-speaking skills

• Outstanding customer service orientation with a proactive, can-do attitude

• Flexible, adaptable, and culturally sensitive approach to work

• Strong self-motivation and ability to meet deadlines

• Proven expertise in guiding dives and delivering “wow” guest experiences

• Solid technical knowledge of dive equipment and maintenance standards

• Strong attention to detail and time management

• Exceptional guest experience focus, including handling high-end clientele and resolving complaints professionally

• Strong leadership and role-modeling capabilities

• Ability to uphold strict safety standards and continuously test and improve them

• Professional presentation and grooming standards suitable for a dive resort environment

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with sound judgment and discretion

• High level of confidentiality and integrity

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Interest and capability in marine science, conservation, education, and staff training

• Strong planning, administrative, and operational coordination skills

Desirable Skills

• Additional spoken languages (Arabic preferred)

• Social media and content posting skills

• Marine life identification expertise (fish, invertebrates, reptiles, mammals)

• Qualified workshop technician experience across multiple equipment brands