Senior Director of Operations (Multi-Unit Fitness)

Blue Rock Search, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Rock Search has partnered with a rapidly growing fitness franchise seeking a Senior Director of Operations to lead and elevate the performance of its growing portfolio of company-owned studios.

This newly created leadership role will establish operational standards, structure, and scalable processes to support corporate growth and franchise expansion, while focusing on member experience and field excellence.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of progressive leadership in multi-unit operations, preferably in fitness or customer-focused, multi-location businesses.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams across locations and markets.
• Sales experience and understanding of how people leadership impacts customer experience and results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and performance of company-owned studios across markets; ensure consistency and accountability.
• Establish operating standards, performance expectations, and measurable goals for studio leaders and field teams.
• Build and develop high-performing ops leaders and frontline staff aligned to mission, values, and service standards.
• Create standardized procedures, playbooks, and training resources to promote efficiency and scalable growth.
• Drive revenue growth through brand activations, local marketing, and enhanced member experience; monitor KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-unit operations

Sales

People leadership

Change management

Job description

Blue Rock Search has partnered with an established and rapidly growing fitness franchise that is seeking a dynamic, people-focused Senior Director of Operations to lead and enhance the performance of its growing portfolio of company-owned studios. This newly created leadership role will initially oversee approximately 20 corporate locations, with plans for continued expansion via extensive club engagement & field presence. The Senior Director will establish the operational standards, organizational structure, and scalable processes needed to support continued corporate growth, while developing a strong operational foundation that can ultimately be extended across the brand's franchise network.

Revenue Generation & Topline Growth: This leader will drive studio-level sales performance, member engagement, retention, and overall business results through effective leadership, coaching, and execution. The Senior Director will assess the current organizational structure, establish clear expectations and measurable goals, and develop high-performing teams that consistently deliver an exceptional member experience.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in multi-unit operations, team development, and sales, with the ability to cultivate a positive culture while introducing greater structure, accountability, and consistency across the organization.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Lead and Strengthen Company-Owned Studio Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and performance of the company-owned studios, ensuring consistency, accountability, and operational excellence across markets.
• Evaluate existing operations, organizational structure, and team capabilities to identify opportunities to improve effectiveness, clarify responsibilities, and prepare the business for continued growth.
• Establish clear operating standards, performance expectations, and measurable goals for studio leaders and field operations teams.
• Maintain a strong focus on the member experience, ensuring each studio reflects the company's commitment to delivering an exceptional, welcoming, and community-driven fitness experience.
• Regularly visit company-owned clubs in key home markets to assess performance, engage with studio teams, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure consistent execution of operational standards. Extensive Travel will be required.

Build High-Performing Teams and a Strong Company Culture

• Assess the current team structure, talent, and leadership capabilities; identify opportunities to strengthen roles, improve alignment, and develop future leaders.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain talented operations leaders and frontline team members who embody the company's mission, values, and service standards.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable culture that motivates employees, supports professional development, and encourages consistent performance.
• Guide the organization’s evolution from a generalist operating model toward a more specialized structure as the business scales, ensuring clear ownership, defined responsibilities, and effective collaboration across teams.
• Establish a consistent approach to leadership development, performance management, and accountability across the studio portfolio.

Develop Operational Standards, Metrics, and Playbooks

• Create and implement standardized operating procedures, training resources, and operational playbooks that promote consistency, efficiency, and accountability across company-owned studios.
• Document proven processes and best practices in practical, repeatable playbooks that support future corporate expansion and, where appropriate, can be adapted for use by franchisees.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to studio operations, sales, staffing, member experience, retention, and overall business performance.
• Use performance data and field-level insights to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen execution, and support informed business decisions.

Support Growth and Scalable Operations

• Drive revenue growth through brand activations, community events, local marketing initiatives, strategic partnerships, and cooperative marketing opportunities that increase membership, strengthen community engagement, and improve club-level sales performance.
• Drive studio-level sales and business performance by strengthening execution, coaching leaders, and reinforcing consistent operating practices.
• Build an operational foundation that can accommodate the continued expansion of the company's corporate studio portfolio and evolving business needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, resource allocation, staffing models, and consistency without compromising the brand’s distinctive member experience.
• Partner with senior leadership to evaluate operational priorities, implement new initiatives, and align studio-level execution with broader business objectives.
• Leverage company-owned studios as a platform for testing, refining, and documenting best practices that can support future growth across the franchise system.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5–7+ years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit operations, preferably within fitness, health and wellness, hospitality, retail, or another customer-focused, multi-location business.
• Demonstrated success leading, developing, and motivating teams across multiple locations or markets.
• Prior sales experience and a strong understanding of the relationship between people leadership, customer experience, sales performance, member retention, and overall business results.
• A proven track record of building strong team cultures, developing leaders, and establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Experience evaluating organizational structures, clarifying responsibilities, and implementing operational processes to support business growth.
• Ability to establish performance metrics, evaluate results, identify performance gaps, and translate business objectives into practical operating standards and repeatable processes.
• Strong communication, coaching, and change-management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence at both the frontline and leadership levels.
• A hands‑on, results‑oriented leadership style, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with consistent field-level execution.
• Franchise experience is beneficial but not required; demonstrated multi‑unit operating experience is the priority.

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