Establishment Manager - Kew Recreation Centre

This role offers a rare opportunity for an experienced recreation professional to lead the opening of a newly redeveloped, state‑of‑the‑art Kew Recreation Centre in Melbourne’s East, scheduled for completion in 2026/2027. The Establishment Manager will set up the entire facility from the ground up, including recruitment, operations, community engagement, and partnership building.

The Establishment Manager will lead all transition and pre‑opening activities—contract compliance, financial management, fit‑out, recruitment, sales, marketing, customer engagement, and WHS. This role is highly visible to Council, the community, and YMCA stakeholders, and is central to delivering Council’s vision for the facility.

Upon opening, the Establishment Manager will transition into the ongoing Centre Manager role, overseeing all business and operational performance.

About the Centre

Kew Recreation Centre (KRC) is currently under redevelopment, due for opening in 2026/2027. Upon completion, KRC will house state-of-the-art facilities including;

• Indoor Aquatic Facilities including a Learn‑to‑swim pool
• Health Club & Group Fitness
• Allied health suites
• 500 KW solar system
• Inclusive accessibility features (spa ramp, lift, disability activity spaces)
• Two indoor sports courts
• Landscaped forecourt and café

KRC is part of the Boroondara Leisure & Aquatic Facilities, owned by City of Boroondara and proudly managed by the Y. The facilities receive over 2.5 million visits a year from the community and play a key role in delivering on City of Boroondara's Community Plan.

About the role

The Establishment Manager will lead all transition and pre‑opening activities—contract compliance, financial management, fit‑out, recruitment, sales, marketing, customer engagement, and WHS. This role is highly visible to Council, the community, and YMCA stakeholders, and is central to delivering Council’s vision for the facility.

Upon opening, the Establishment Manager will transition into the ongoing Centre Manager role, overseeing all business and operational performance including Operations, Health & Wellness, Aquatics, Customer Service, and Stadiums.

This position is being offered on a full-time basis with a total remuneration package of $140,779 + super.

About you

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in leading successful large Aquatic & Recreation Facilities in a local government environment. Project Management experience is essential to this role. You will have strong communication & stakeholder management skills, and a positive/solution-focused mindset. Additionally, you will be:

• Able to present the YMCA to the local community as well as provide leadership and vision for the facility and its staff.
• Able to work both independently and as part of the broader Boroondara Leisure & Aquatics Facilities team.
• An excellent oral and written communicator, you will be able to work in partnership with the City of Boroondara team as well as other community groups to develop programs and services to meet the needs of the community.
• Self-motivated, able to engage staff and the community and will be able to drive the commercial outcomes of the business, while maintaining the assets under your control.
• Organised and have a demonstrated ability to engage staff and improve business performance, with strong project management skills.
• Focused on the customer experience and cultivate a culture of continuous learning amongst the staff teams.
• Have strong general business and financial acumen.
• Be able to foster a culture of safety at the facility and have experience managing risk
• Aligned with the Y's values is critical for this role.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in leading successful large Aquatic & Recreation Facilities in a local government environment, including experience in Project Management.

• Tertiary qualifications in Sports Management, Business Management, Project Management or other related field will be highly regarded
• Previous leadership experience leading Aquatic & Leisure Facilities for 3-5 years is essential
• Previous experience establishing a large Aquatic & Leisure Facility will be highly regarded
• HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Benefits

At the Y Victoria we value our people. Working for us means you’ll enjoy great work/life balance and a range of benefits which improve your wellbeing and help you develop as an individual, such as;

• Opportunities for career development and growth
• Free access to gyms, recreation, and aquatics centres across the state
• Free access to the Virtual Y – online health and wellness

Commitment to Safeguarding

YMCA Victoria (the Y) has robust policies and practices to prevent harm to children and young people. The Y is committed to identifying and removing potential risks and hazards. All positions are subject to a satisfactory Police Check, Working with Children Check and a pre-employment medical declaration prior to commencement. Pre-employment checks are not used by the Y to prevent any applicant from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.

How to Apply   

If this is you, click the Apply button.

Y Victoria is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and social inclusion. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Y Victoria are proud to be a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to respond to every applicant.

Please contact Ben Porteous, Area Manager (Boroondara Leisure & Aquatic Facilities) on 0430 637 597 or benjamin.porteous@ymca.org.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications for this position will close on 3rd May 2026.