Exercise Experience Manager

Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 550 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fitness company in South Africa is seeking an Exercise Experience Manager to foster inclusive communities and lead fitness instructors. This role focuses on recruitment, team development, and delivering exceptional fitness experiences. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience in the fitness industry and a proven track record of managing exercise programs and teams. Strong communication skills and a passion for wellness are essential. Join us in creating a vibrant, supportive atmosphere for our members.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in the Fitness Industry.
• Minimum of 3 years experience managing exercise experiences in a health club.
• Minimum of 2-3 years managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and onboard passionate fitness professionals.
• Develop and nurture Fitness & Group Exercise Instructor teams.
• Foster community among Group Exercise Instructors.
• Deliver exceptional group exercise experiences.
• Manage group exercise timetable and participation.
• Create welcoming environments for all members.
• Ensure operational excellence in exercise spaces.
• Lead in-club marketing campaigns.
• Monitor class engagement and performance.

Skills

People leadership skills

Communication skills

Team player

Adaptability

Relationship building

Education

Recognised Fitness Qualification

Matric qualification

Job description

Your Purpose

• The Exercise Experience Manager is all about building dynamic, inclusive communities where our members feel inspired and supported to achieve their wellness goals. You’ll be the guide, ensuring every member finds the right products, services, and fitness tribes that suit them perfectly. It’s about creating fun, personalized experiences that keep our members engaged and coming back for more, all while embracing the bold, adventurous Virgin spirit we’re known for. Let’s make wellness more than just a gym—it’s a social lifestyle!

Your Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruitment, Onboarding & Retention: You’re at the heart of curating a team of passionate fitness pros. You’ll scout, attract, and recruit the most talented Fitness and Group Exercise Instructors, both within and outside the club, ensuring they fit right into our vibrant community. Using the Online Hiring Assessment process, you’ll measure success and help build a powerhouse of instructors. Once onboard, you’ll guide them through an exciting, thorough induction, introducing everything from conduct guidelines to operational essentials like studio setup, sound systems, and salary processes.
• Team Management & Development: Creating an unstoppable team is key. You’ll develop and nurture an all-star squad of Fitness and Group Exercise Instructors, aligning with club FTE and budget needs. As their leader, you’ll provide regular coaching, feedback, and opportunities for growth, making sure they stay inspired and driven. By championing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training, you’ll ensure that our team is always ahead of the curve, mastering the latest in wellness & fitness innovation and standards.
• Community Building & Instructor Support: Building dynamic, thriving fitness tribes is what it’s all about. You’ll foster a sense of belonging among our Group Exercise Instructors through strong communication—whether it’s in one‑on‑one chats, newsletters, or team meetings. You’ll also make sure they are continuously growing by managing their CPD points and scheduling development opportunities. With a laser focus on the STOP, LOOK & LISTEN strategy, you’ll ensure every class is prepped and every instructor is supported—from studio setups to assisting with member bookings.
• Delivering Exceptional Group Exercise Experiences: You’ll lead by example, stepping into the studio and delivering unforgettable group exercise experiences that keep members coming back for more. Your role doesn’t stop at teaching—you’ll maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and studio functionality, ensuring that everything from sound systems to equipment is in tip‑top shape. You’ll also oversee class timetables across digital platforms, ensuring they’re always spot‑on and ready to wow members while managing any last‑minute no‑show plans like a pro.
• Group Exercise Focus: Your main focus is managing the group exercise timetable to deliver high‑energy, engaging classes that leave a lasting impact. You’ll boost participation through events like FITFEST and DJ nights, creating memorable experiences for members. Using data from GEX reports and collaborating with your regional team, you'll identify opportunities to adjust class types, schedules, or instructor performance for maximum impact. Expanding and optimizing Group Exercise offerings is key—you’ll ensure the timetable aligns perfectly with what our members want, consistently delivering exceptional experiences.
• Member Social Wellness: We’re all about creating welcoming environments for every member that walks through our doors. You’ll offer comprehensive inductions that set the stage for success, showcasing everything the club has to offer. Whether it’s group exercise, personal training, or event‑driven experiences, you’ll actively promote all our offerings to support each member on their unique wellness journey. You’ll also manage our GEX Invitation system to ramp up class participation, increase mobile app engagement, and keep the buzz alive through epic events and demos.
• Operational Excellence: You’ll ensure that every group exercise space is not only functional but inspiring. Cleanliness, top‑tier equipment, and flawless sound systems are non‑negotiable under your watch. You’ll also uphold all Health & Safety and Operational Standards to create a safe and empowering environment for both instructors and members. With a focus on seamless experiences, you’ll also craft optimal staffing schedules to make sure the club floor is always buzzing with energy and engagement.
• Marketing & Community Building: You’ll be the energy behind every in‑club marketing campaign, executing strategies that get people talking and members signing up. Leveraging the business tools and resources, you’ll promote everything from Group Exercise to Personal Training, ensuring both new and existing members are drawn in. By tapping into digital platforms and in‑club marketing opportunities, you’ll keep our community engaged and excited about the fitness journey they’re on.
• Data Analysis & Performance Tracking: Data‑driven and performance‑focused, you’ll monitor and analyse class attendance and engagement, identifying trends and opportunities to optimise our offerings. With your eye on the numbers, you’ll implement action plans to fill any gaps, ensuring our classes are always hitting the mark. Whether it’s boosting mobile app usage or maximizing class bookings, your drive and focus will ensure every Group Exercise offering meets or exceeds expectations.

Our Minimum Requirements

• Matric qualification
• A Recognised Fitness Qualification
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience within the Fitness Industry
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing exercise experiences within in a health club or similar role
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in managing people / teams
• Exceptional people leadership skills
• Experience in teaching a variety of Group Exercise classes
• be passionate about wellness industry
• Strong team player & collaborator
• Exhibit the VA brand values

We'd like you to have

• Experience within a health club or wellness club
• Management experience
• Great communication skills
• Great relationship building skills
• Adaptability (must be able to adapt to a fast paced, changing environment)
• Be curious (must be willing to succeed, seek opportunities to learn and grow)
• Have a winning mentality (must be willing to go over and above to achieve success)
• Must be motivated to achieve success.
• A commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
• A Growth mindset
• The ability to work independently.
• Trustworthiness (must always act in doing the right thing)
• A drive to create moments of magic for our members.
• The ability to make decisions and take ownership and responsibility for the decision.
• Action orientation

We'd love you to have

• Organisational & coordinating skills
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills
• Wellness knowledge, beyond the health club
• The ability to make quick and bold decisions.
• The ability to be agile.
• The ability to be collaborative.
• High Interpersonal skills (EQ)