Deputy Fitness Head

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore); Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on fitness for seniors is seeking a Deputy Fitness Head to oversee the development and implementation of evidence-based fitness programs. The role includes training staff, managing operations, and supporting research initiatives. The ideal candidate must hold a diploma or degree in a related field and have strong leadership skills, along with experience in fitness program delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience delivering fitness or rehabilitation programmes.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of exercise physiology and biomechanics.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head (Fitness) in developing the Tzu Chi Longevity Courtyard Fitness Programme.
• Design signature exercise frameworks tailored for seniors.
• Supervise daily operations of gym/fitness facilities.

Skills

Strong communication

Coaching capabilities

People leadership

Education

Diploma or Degree in Sports & Exercise Science

Certified Personal Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor

Job description

The Deputy Fitness Head plays a leadership role in building a high-quality, mission-driven senior fitness ecosystem. The role oversees the design and implementation of evidence-based fitness programmes, ensures the professional development of Fitness staff and assist the Head Fitness Coach in leading the development of the Tzu Chi-branded Longevity Courtyard as a signature model for healthy ageing. The Deputy Fitness Head also supports research collaborations with Institutes of Higher Learning and contributes to organisation-wide planning and improvement.

Job Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fitness Programme Leadership

• Assist Head (Fitness) in the conceptualisation and development of the Tzu Chi Longevity Courtyard Fitness Programme, integrating physical, emotional, social, lifestyle and humanistic values.
• 2. Ensure programme alignment with Tzu Chi’s holistic care philosophy, “Preventive, Personalised, and Community-Integrated.”
• 3. Design and oversee signature exercise frameworks tailored to varying fitness levels of seniors (functional, rehabilitative, preventive, and active ageing tiers).
• 4. Continuously evaluate programme outcomes to ensure safety, relevance, participation and measurable health improvements.

2. Staff Training & Capability Building

• Develop a structured training and competency progression pathway for Fitness staff and instructors.
• Conduct hands‑on coaching, skills assessment, and on‑the‑job training in exercise prescription, group facilitation, outcome measurement, and motivational support.
• Establish professional practice standards, guidelines, and SOPs for safe and high‑quality senior fitness delivery.
• Mentor high‑performing staff and support succession planning initiatives within Fitness teams.

3. Team Leadership & Operations Management

• Supervise and support the daily operations of gym/fitness facilities within centres.
• Lead a team of Senior Fitness Associates, Fitness Associates, and instructors, fostering a positive, collaborative, learning‑oriented culture.
• Oversee resource planning, class scheduling, equipment procurement, and environment risk management.
• Participate in budget planning, grant proposals, performance measurement and reporting.

4. Research, Evaluation & Partnerships

• Support research collaborations with Institutes of Higher Learning, healthcare partners, and community organisations.
• Facilitate programme‑based data collection, ethics compliance, and publication support where relevant.
• Lead programme evaluation workstreams to track functional outcomes, participation patterns, and preventive health indicators.
• Present learnings in internal platforms, seminars, and professional conferences where appropriate.

5. Direct Senior Engagement (Where Applicable)

• Conduct individual assessments and design personalised exercise plans for seniors where required.
• Lead specialised group classes, coach safe exercise techniques, and provide motivational support.
• Guide health education initiatives to build exercise literacy among seniors and caregivers.

Job Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Sports & Exercise Science, Physiotherapy, Health Science, Gerontology, or related field.
• Certified Personal Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor (e.g., ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA).
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience delivering fitness or rehabilitation programmes, with at least 2 years in a supervisory / team leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, senior functional fitness, and age‑related conditions.
• Experience designing or evaluating community‑based or therapeutic fitness programmes.
• Strong communication, coaching, and people leadership capabilities.
• CPR and AED certified.