Head of Academy Strategy and Operations

ANTARES MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

ANTARES MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTE. LTD. is seeking a Senior leader to spearhead the strategy and operations of a new martial arts academy from planning through launch and into daily operation.

The role combines budgets, facility readiness, program development and coaching leadership in a dynamic, growth-focused environment. You will oversee curriculum, grading standards, class structures and competitive plans, while recruiting and mentoring coaches, establishing partnerships and driving member

Qualifications

• Proven experience establishing or expanding a martial arts academy, with direct responsibility for business planning, launch budgets, facility readiness, recruitment and programme rollout.
• A verifiable record of managing academy financial performance and delivering membership growth and retention against targets, including pricing and cost controls.
• Demonstrated ability to assess market demand, develop commercially viable programmes and secure partnerships that generate enrolments or revenue.
• Proven experience recruiting and leading instructors, developing curricula and overseeing academy operations.
• Fifteen years of professional BJJ or MMA coaching, including at least five years in Head Coach/Academy Director roles.
• IBJJF third degree black belt certification with verifiable lineage and ability to assess progression and grading for competitions.
• Examples of academy development projects and measurable business results may be requested.

Responsibilities

• Lead the academy's establishment and launch, with accountability for budgets, timelines, facility readiness and operations.
• Develop and implement the business model, membership structure, pricing and financial targets with management.
• Establish and maintain curriculum, class structure, grading framework and technical standards across all programmes.
• Design and deliver martial arts programmes for children, adults, beginners and athletes, including group classes and seminars.
• Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate coaches and instructors to ensure teaching quality.
• Assess student progression and conduct grading and rank promotions within recognised qualifications.
• Lead the competition programme, including athlete selection, training plans and event coaching.
• Oversee daily operations: class schedules, staffing, records, equipment and facility management.
• Build partnerships with schools and organisations and track membership growth and financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Programme development

Coaching leadership

Partnership development

Talent recruitment

Curriculum development

Project management

Education

IBJJF recognised BJJ third degree black belt

Job description

We are seeking a Special Projects - Head of Academy Strategy and Operations to lead the development and launch of a new martial arts academy. The role covers business planning, operational setup, programme development and coaching leadership. The successful candidate will oversee the academy from planning through launch, then lead daily operations, coach development and practical instruction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the academy's establishment and launch, with accountability for budgets, timelines, facility readiness, equipment procurement and operating procedures.
• Develop and implement the business model, membership structure, pricing and financial targets with management.
• Establish and maintain the curriculum, class structure, grading framework and technical standards across all programmes.
• Design and deliver martial arts programmes for children, adults, beginners, advanced practitioners and competitive athletes, including group classes, private coaching and seminars.
• Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate coaches and instructors, ensuring consistent teaching quality and professional standards.
• Assess student progression and conduct grading and rank promotions within the scope of recognised qualifications and authority.
• Establish and lead the competition programme, including athlete selection, training plans, preparation and event coaching.
• Oversee daily operations, including class schedules, staffing, student records, equipment maintenance and facility management.
• Build partnerships with schools, community organisations and corporate clients, and track membership growth, retention, class utilisation and financial performance.
• Implement and enforce safety, safeguarding, discipline, cleanliness and member service standards, and address incidents and complaints.

Requirements

• Proven experience establishing or expanding a martial arts academy, with direct responsibility for business planning, launch budgets, facility readiness, recruitment and programme rollout.
• A verifiable record of managing academy financial performance and delivering membership growth and retention against agreed targets, including responsibility for pricing, revenue planning and cost control.
• Demonstrated ability to assess market demand, develop commercially viable programmes and secure partnerships that generate enrolments, programme revenue or access to new customer groups.
• Proven experience recruiting and leading instructors, developing curricula and overseeing academy operations. Must be able to set performance targets, review results and implement corrective action.
• At least fifteen years of professional BJJ (Preferred) or Mixed Martial Arts coaching experience, including at least five years as a Head Coach, Head Professor, Academy Director or equivalent academy leadership role.
• Minimally a IBJJF recognised BJJ third degree black belt, supported by valid certification and verifiable lineage, with demonstrated experience assessing student progression, conducting authorised grading and preparing athletes for recognised competitions.
• Candidates should provide examples of academy development projects, measurable business results and coaching achievements. Supporting records and professional references may be requested.