Operations Lead

The Larko Group; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Larko Group in Skokie, IL is seeking an hands-on Operations Leader to drive the day-to-day activities of a growing fitness business. This leader will implement and improve systems, processes, and standards while partnering with the General Manager on training, culture, and member experience.

Ideal candidates thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, enjoy building structure, and balance big-picture thinking with disciplined follow-through.

Qualifications

• Experience in sales, marketing, hospitality, or membership-based environments.
• Proven people management experience with coaching and accountability.
• Strong relationship builder with networker abilities for referrals.
• Highly organized and operationally minded with multi-priority execution.
• Tech-savvy with CRM/tools experience and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Membership Growth & Retention: Drive new member acquisition and retention towards growth targets.
• Team Accountability: Set performance expectations and hold staff to sales/service goals; address gaps.
• Talent Recruitment: Recruit trainers and staff with expertise and following.
• Technology & Reporting: Own business systems, learn new tools, leverage data for decisions.
• Community Engagement: Build local presence through events, partnerships, grassroots marketing.
• Event Planning: Lead member-facing and internal events to strengthen culture.
• Operational Execution: Manage reporting, communications, and key processes to avoid gaps.
• Founder Partnership: Act as organized partner to leadership, prioritizing initiatives.

Skills

Sales

Marketing

Hospitality

Membership growth

People management

Community engagement

Data-driven decisions

Organization

Tools

CRM systems

Membership platforms

Job description

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role responsible for driving the day-to-day operations of a growing, community-driven fitness business. As the operational “quarterback,” this individual will ensure systems, processes, and standards are implemented, consistently executed, and improved.

Working closely with the General Manager, who leads training, culture, and member experience, this role is responsible for operational execution across sales, staff performance, systems, and administration. It’s a complementary leadership dynamic, one focused outward as the face of the business, the other ensuring the engine runs smoothly behind the scenes.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, enjoys building structure, and can balance big-picture thinking with disciplined follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Membership Growth & Retention: Drive new member acquisition and retention efforts, maintaining momentum toward established growth targets.
• Team Accountability: Set clear performance expectations and hold staff accountable to sales and service goals; address performance gaps directly and constructively.
• Talent Recruitment: Proactively identify and recruit high-quality trainers and staff, with a focus on individuals who bring both expertise and a following.
• Technology & Reporting: Own business systems (including CRM and membership platforms), proactively learn new tools, and leverage data to inform decisions and track performance.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain a strong local presence through events, partnerships, and grassroots marketing efforts.
• Event Planning: Lead the planning and execution of member-facing and internal team events that strengthen culture and engagement.
• Operational Execution: Manage administrative responsibilities, including reporting, communications, and key business processes, to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Founder Partnership: Act as a steady, organized partner to leadership, capturing ideas, prioritizing effectively, and driving initiatives forward without losing focus.

Ideal Experience

• Experience in sales, marketing, hospitality, or membership-based environments, with a strong understanding of client acquisition and retention.
• Proven people management experience, including the ability to have direct conversations, coach performance, and hold teams accountable.
• Strong relationship builder and networker who can elevate brand presence and generate referrals through community engagement.
• Highly organized and operationally minded, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and execute consistently.
• Tech-savvy, with experience using CRM or membership platforms and interpreting data to guide decisions.
• Genuine interest in fitness and wellness, with an appreciation for community-driven environments
• Willingness to be actively embedded in the local community, representing the business at events and initiatives.

Larko is a women-owned, premier staffing and recruiting firm based in Chicago with a nationwide reach. We specialize in Direct Hire, Temp-to-Hire, and Temporary/Project placements across a wide range of roles, including Executive Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Personal Assistants, Chief of Staff, Office Managers, Receptionists, General Office, Event Support, Project Management, and Customer Service.