Overview
Operations Intern – Global Jobs in Home Based at Pool Academy Aquatics
About Pool Academy Aquatics
Pool Academy Aquatics is an international aquatics coaching and training franchise headquartered in Durban, South Africa, with operations across South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, India, and the United Kingdom. We are now recruiting exceptional interns to join our 12-month structured leadership programme, working directly with the Global CEO.
The Role
As the Global Operations Intern, you will be the operational architect of Pool Academy Aquatics. You will document the systems, SOPs, and franchisee playbooks that allow our brand to scale from a regional aquatics business into a global franchise. This role works hand-in-hand with the Global CEO on the most strategically important workstreams: franchisee onboarding, course delivery, and the building of operational standards that will define our next decade of growth.
Working Hours
- Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm (South Africa time)
- Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
- Sundays off
Key Responsibilities
- Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all four countries in Notion
- Coordinate coach scheduling across all branches in collaboration with the Country Admin Interns
- Manage logistics and enrolment for the ASCA and PAT international training courses
- Lead franchisee onboarding for current franchise branches and any future master franchisees
- Coordinate the PAT International Administrator and Manager Course pathway for the intern cohort
- Build and maintain the franchisee operations manual used in the master franchise sales process
- Use Claude AI to draft SOPs, training materials, franchisee communications, and operational playbooks
- Support the Global CEO on cross-country operational standardisation projects
Preferred Background
- Strong organisational and process-thinking ability
- Excellent written English and document-creation skills
- Background in operations, business administration, project management, hospitality, or education preferred
- Comfort working with structured documentation systems (Notion, Google Workspace, etc.)
- Bonus: Aquatics, sports, or franchise industry experience
What You Receive
- Two internationally recognised PAT (Pool Academy Training) certifications upon successful completion: PAT International Administrator Course and PAT International Manager Course (combined value R25,000)
- On-the-job training across international aquatics operations valued at R25,000
- Performance milestone allowance of R500 per month from month 6 onwards (R3,500 over the programme)
- Personal letter of recommendation from the Global CEO upon successful completion
- Direct mentorship from the Global CEO and exposure to four international markets (South Africa, UAE, India, United Kingdom)
- Access to enterprise AI tools (Claude Pro, Gemini Pro), Canva Pro, and full international CRM systems
- Priority consideration for permanent paid leadership roles at the conclusion of the 12-month programme
Who We Are Looking For
- A self-driven, organised, and detail-oriented individual who thrives working independently
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
- Strong digital fluency: comfortable with CRM systems, spreadsheets, AI tools, and learning new platforms quickly
- Reliable home working environment with stable, high-speed internet and a personal laptop
- A growth mindset with genuine commitment to a 12-month learning journey
- Professional, ethical conduct and the ability to handle confidential customer data responsibly
- Diploma, degree, or final-year student status preferred (recent graduates strongly encouraged to apply)
Programme Structure
This is a structured 12-month learning programme, not traditional employment. The programme runs in four phases: Foundation (months 1-3), Independent Operation (months 4-6), Stretch Projects (months 7-9), and PAT Course Delivery & Transition (months 10-12). Performance is reviewed at months 3, 6, and 9. Top performers are offered conversion to permanent paid leadership roles at the conclusion of the programme.
Working Arrangement
- Fully remote, work-from-home position based anywhere in South Africa
- Reports directly to the Global CEO
- Daily 9am SA team standup via Google Meet
- Weekly performance reviews and Friday team wrap-ups
How To Apply
Submit your CV along with a one-page motivation letter explaining: (1) why you are drawn to the international aquatics industry, (2) what specific skills you bring to this role, and (3) what you hope to achieve in the 12 months. Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.
Pool Academy Aquatics is an equal opportunity programme. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Pay: R500,00 per month
Work Location: Remote
Title: Operations Intern – Global
Company: Pool Academy Aquatics
Location: Home Based
