Director of Leisure & Recreation

The First Group Hospitality; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The First Group Hospitality in the UAE seeks a Senior Leader to oversee leisure and recreation facilities across luxury properties, delivering exceptional guest experiences.

You will shape strategies, manage budgets, and drive revenue through memberships and programs, while leading a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Recreation Management, Physical Education, Business Administration or related.
• 8–10 years of progressive leisure, recreation, fitness or hospitality operations experience.
• 3–5 years in a senior leadership or department-head role in luxury hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across leisure facilities and activities.
• Develop departmental strategies, procedures, service standards and annual plans.
• Ensure facilities meet luxury standards of cleanliness, safety, and presentation.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Housekeeping, Spa & Wellness, F&B and others for seamless guest experience.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasts, expenses, and capital requirements; monitor KPIs and costs.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Cost management

Revenue generation

Team management

Guest experience design

Health & Safety

Risk management

Emergency procedures

First Aid/CPR

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Recreation Management, Physical Education, Business Administration

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

Leadership & Operations

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all leisure and recreation facilities and activities, which may include fitness, swimming pools, sports, recreational activities, kids’ facilities, and other guest leisure experiences.
• Develop and implement departmental strategies, operating procedures, service standards, and annual business plans.
• Ensure all facilities are maintained and operated to the highest standards of luxury hospitality, cleanliness, presentation, and safety.
• Work closely with Engineering, Housekeeping, Spa & Wellness, Food & Beverage, and other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Guest Experience & Programming

• Develop distinctive and engaging leisure and recreation programs aligned with the property’s positioning and guest profile.
• Continuously evaluate guest preferences, industry trends, and competitor offerings to enhance the leisure experience.
• Maintain a strong presence within the operation, engaging with guests and responding effectively to feedback.
• Drive consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and address service opportunities proactively.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Prepare and manage the departmental budget, forecasts, operating expenses, and capital requirements.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue through memberships, personal training, activities, programs, partnerships, and other leisure offerings where applicable.
• Monitor departmental KPIs, productivity, costs, and financial performance.
• Ensure effective utilisation of resources while maintaining luxury service standards.

People Leadership

• Recruit, develop, coach, and motivate a high-performing team of leisure and recreation professionals.
• Establish clear performance expectations and ensure team members receive appropriate training and development.
• Foster a positive, professional, and guest-focused working environment.
• Develop succession plans and identify high-potential talent within the department.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, hygiene, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain appropriate emergency response procedures, risk assessments, and safety protocols across all leisure facilities.
• Ensure team members hold valid and appropriate certifications relevant to their responsibilities.
• Oversee the proper maintenance, inspection, and safe operation of recreational and fitness equipment.

Desired Skill & Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Recreation Management, Physical Education, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in leisure, recreation, fitness, sports, wellness, or related hospitality operations.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a senior leadership or department‑head position, ideally within a luxury hotel, resort, premium leisure destination, or high‑end hospitality environment.
• Strong experience managing multiple leisure and recreation facilities, activities, and teams.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost management, revenue generation, and departmental performance management.
• Proven ability to develop innovative recreational programs and luxury guest experiences.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements, risk management, and emergency procedures within leisure and recreational environments.
• First Aid, CPR, AED, lifeguarding, fitness, or other relevant professional certifications are highly advantageous.
• Experience in resort or destination properties with extensive leisure facilities is an advantage.
• Previous experience within the UAE or GCC luxury hospitality market is advantageous.