The City of Richmond is a diverse and dynamic community in pursuit of our vision
to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada.
People l Excellence l Leadership l Team l Innovation
Imagine a career with the City of Richmond, a dynamic environment for growth and continuous improvement, fostered by our collective strengths and creativity. We are a vibrant, diverse cosmopolitan city, supported by a strong economy and recognized as leaders in innovation and service delivery excellence. The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a goal that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community.
Program Lead, Community Health and Wellness
Overview
Reporting to the Manager, Aquatics and Community Wellness, the Program Lead, Community Health and Wellness is responsible for the leadership and operation of City-run fitness and wellness services at Minoru Centre for Active Living, Watermania and Garratt Wellness Centre.
The position plays a lead role in implementing the City of Richmond Community Wellness Strategy, including collaboration with community partners and groups. The Program Lead provides technical expertise and direction to support consistent, high-quality fitness and wellness services delivered across Richmond community centres.
The position provides direct leadership and financial accountability for key staff, including Fitness and Wellness Leaders and the Fitness Program Assistant, and provides functional oversight and guidance for service delivery by Fitness Attendants, Group Fitness Instructors, and Personal Trainers. The Program Lead will have a high level of public contact and will be required to exercise sound judgement, diplomacy, and strong customer service skills in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the operation of City-run fitness and wellness services at Minoru Centre for Active Living, Watermania and Garratt Wellness Centre.
- Provide technical expertise, guidance and oversight for City-wide fitness and wellness program and service delivery in collaboration with City and Community Association staff, supporting consistency, quality and alignment with City priorities, and leadership on related marketing and promotional strategies.
- Serve as the City’s primary liaison to the Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association, providing ongoing guidance, advice, coordination, and support to foster a strong working relationship, strengthen organizational capacity, and support the effective delivery of fitness and wellness programs and services.
- Work with City staff, Vancouver Coastal Health, Richmond School District No. 38, and other community organizations to advance Richmond’s Community Wellness Strategy and related initiatives.
- Attend Council-appointed committee meetings and other internal, interdepartmental, and partner meetings as required to provide updates and speak to agenda items related to fitness programs, services, and related initiatives.
- Research and identify best practices and innovations to support desired wellness outcomes, and ensure fitness and wellness programs of high quality, relevant, and responsive to community needs.
- Maintain high standards of customer experience, including monitoring service quality, measuring and analyzing customer satisfaction and responding to patron concerns and service issues.
- Provide leadership and operational direction to staff, including workforce planning, recruitment and hiring, assigning work, setting priorities, scheduling, performance management, coaching, training, mentoring, and staff development.
- Work effectively within a unionized environment, including the application of collective agreement provisions, involvement in labour relations matters, progressive discipline as required, and the handling of sensitive personnel and operational issues with discretion and confidentiality.
- Lead City-wide wellness initiatives and oversee wellness programs delivered in partnership with internal and external organizations, such as the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, G.O. Day, Walk Richmond and the Continuing Education Program for Fitness Leaders.
- Prepare and manage the annual Fitness and Wellness operating budget; monitor financial performance and make adjustments to support service, operational and financial targets.
- Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of departmental policies, strategies, and plans, and make recommendations to support operational effectiveness, service improvements and risk management with a focus on continuous improvement.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Sound knowledge of the principles, practices, objectives and philosophy of the health, fitness and wellness sector.
- Sound knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures and risk management practices related to fitness and wellness program and service delivery.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interpret information, prepare reports and correspondence, and communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external contacts.
- Strong leadership, supervision, coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to lead staff, support staff development and foster a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with staff, community partners, service providers, and other internal and external contacts.
- Strong judgment, diplomacy, and political acuity, with the ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively within a political, unionized and regulatory environment while handling sensitive personnel, labour relations and operational information.
- Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, analytical and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to prepare and manage budgets, and monitor financial performance.
- Proficiency in City computer applications such as PeopleSoft (HCM), Xplor Recreation, Outlook and Microsoft Office programs, and the ability to use REDMS or a similar records management system.
- Strong customer service orientation and commitment to high-quality, responsive, and community-centred service delivery.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and service excellence.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Recreation, or a related discipline; coursework or specialization in health promotion is considered an asset.
- Current or previous certification in Fitness, including BCRPA designation as a Supervisor and/or Trainer of Fitness Leaders (SFL or TFL) or equivalent, and registration as an aquatic fitness, group fitness, and/or personal training fitness professional.
- A minimum of 5 years related experience is required, including supervisory and/or management experience, preferably in a unionized environment.
- Valid Class 5 Drivers License for the Province of British Columbia.
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
- Ability to successfully clear a Police Information Check.
- An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
The City of Richmond offers a competitive pay and benefits program, attractive incentives and a compressed work day schedule. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision “to be the most appealing, livable, and well-managed community in Canada,” please submit your application by following the instructions below:
The City of Richmond uses an applicant tracking system for candidates wishing to view and apply for available career opportunities. For further information regarding position details and to apply, please visit our website at www.chooserichmond.ca.
We are accepting applications until June 2, 2026.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. If you are unsuccessful, please accept our appreciation for your interest.
