Assistant Fitness & Recreation Manager

The First Group Hospitality; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

The First Group Hospitality in the UAE seeks a Fitness & Recreation Operations specialist to support daily operations, supervise facilities, and ensure luxury standards. You will coordinate schedules, safety checks, and guest programs while maintaining exceptional service across fitness, pools, and recreational areas.

Ideal candidates bring 3–5 years in luxury fitness operations, supervisory experience, and relevant certifications, with strong English communication and a client‑centric mindset.

Qualifications

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation Management, Physical Education, Fitness, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in fitness, recreation, sports, leisure, or wellness operations.
• 1–2 years of supervisory or team-leadership experience.
• Good knowledge of fitness center operations and guest service.
• Experience coordinating fitness classes, recreational activities, events, or guest programs.
• Fitness or personal training certification is highly advantageous.
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification is preferred.
• Lifeguard or water-safety certification is advantageous for pool operations.
• Experience in UAE or GCC luxury hospitality market is an advantage.
• Strong written and spoken English; additional languages are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the Fitness & Recreation Manager in day-to-day operations.
• Supervise fitness centers, pools, sports and recreation areas, and other leisure facilities.
• Ensure facilities, equipment and activity areas are clean, organized, safe, and maintained to luxury standards.
• Conduct routine operational and safety inspections and coordinate maintenance with relevant departments.
• Assist with activity schedules, duty rosters, operational checklists, and departmental procedures.
• Monitor equipment and supplies and ensure inventory levels are maintained.
• Maintain guest engagement and assist in delivering engaging fitness, sports, wellness, and recreational activities.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Leadership

Customer service

Safety awareness

Education

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Recreation Management, Physical Education, Fitness, or Hospitality Management

Job description

Overview

About The First Group Hospitality:

The First Group Hospitality is a Dubai-headquartered, full-service hospitality management company specialising in hotel operations, asset management, and F&B strategy. With a team of industry veterans and a proven track record, the company delivers tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, optimise revenue, and maximise asset value for investors and hotel owners. As a trusted third-party hotel management provider, The First Group Hospitality partners with leading global brands to drive operational excellence and long-term profitability, thanks to expertise spanning property performance optimisation, cost management, and guest experience enhancement. Beyond management, The First Group Hospitality develops and operates a dynamic portfolio of upscale hotels, residences, and award-winning restaurants, creating high-value hospitality assets that stand out in the market. For more information, visit tfghospitality.com

Job Description

itness & Recreation Operations

• Support the Fitness & Recreation Manager in the day-to-day operation of fitness and recreational facilities.
• Supervise fitness centers, swimming pools, sports and recreation areas, and other leisure facilities as applicable.
• Ensure all facilities, equipment, and activity areas are clean, organized, safe, and maintained to the required luxury hospitality standards.
• Conduct regular operational and safety inspections and coordinate maintenance requirements with relevant departments.
• Assist with the preparation of activity schedules, duty rosters, operational checklists, and departmental procedures.
• Monitor equipment and supplies and ensure appropriate inventory levels are maintained.

Guest Experience & Activities

• Maintain a visible presence within fitness and recreation areas and actively engage with guests.
• Assist in developing and delivering engaging fitness, sports, wellness, and recreational activities suitable for different guest profiles.
• Ensure all activities and fitness programs are conducted professionally, safely, and according to established standards.
• Provide guests with information and recommendations regarding available facilities, activities, and programs.
• Handle guest feedback and concerns professionally and escal…
• Identify opportunities to personalize and enhance the overall guest experience.

Team Supervision & Development

• Supervise Fitness & Recreation team members during daily operations and ensure consistent service delivery.
• Conduct daily briefings and communicate operational requirements, guest information, and departmental priorities.
• Support the training, coaching, and development of team members.
• Monitor employee performance and provide ongoing guidance and feedback.
• Assist with duty schedules and ensure appropriate staffing levels based on operational requirements.
• Lead the department in the absence of the Fitness & Recreation Manager when required.

Commercial & Administrative Support

• Support departmental initiatives to increase participation and generate revenue through personal training, fitness programs, memberships, recreational activities, events, and other services, where applicable.
• Assist in monitoring departmental expenses, inventory, and resource utilization.
• Maintain accurate operational records, activity reports, attendance records, and other departmental documentation.
• Monitor guest participation and feedback to help evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, hygiene, and operational standards.
• Monitor fitness and recreational activities to ensure appropriate safety procedures are followed.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment and facilities and report potential hazards or maintenance concerns immediately.
• Support emergency response procedures and ensure team members understand their responsibilities.
• Ensure relevant employee certifications and training requirements are maintained and up to date.

Desired Skill & Expertise

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation Management, Physical Education, Fitness, Hospitality Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in fitness, recreation, sports, leisure, or wellness operations, preferably within a luxury hotel, resort, premium fitness club, or high-end leisure environment.
• At least 1–2 years of supervisory or team-leadership experience within fitness, recreation, or leisure operations.
• Good knowledge of fitness center operations, recreational programming, sports activities, and guest service.
• Experience coordinating fitness classes, recreational activities, events, or guest programs is advantageous.
• Recognized fitness or personal training certification is highly advantageous.
• Valid First Aid, CPR, and AED certification is preferred.
• Lifeguard or water-safety certification is advantageous for operations involving swimming pools or aquatic activities.
• Previous experience within the UAE or GCC luxury hospitality market is an advantage.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; additional languages are advantageous.