Exercise Experience Manager

Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits with a forward-thinking company dedicated to wellness. As an Exercise Experience Manager, you will play a pivotal role in creating dynamic, inclusive communities that inspire members to achieve their fitness goals. This role involves recruiting and nurturing a passionate team of fitness instructors, delivering exceptional group exercise experiences, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. If you have a passion for the wellness industry and a commitment to making a positive impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you to thrive in a vibrant environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in the Fitness Industry with experience managing exercise experiences.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and manage a team of fitness professionals and instructors.
• Deliver engaging group exercise experiences and ensure operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Team Management

Communication Skills

Fitness Industry Knowledge

Adaptability

Relationship Building

Education

Matric Qualification

Recognized Fitness Qualification

Job description

Your Purpose...

The Exercise Experience Manager is dedicated to building dynamic, inclusive communities where members feel inspired and supported in achieving their wellness goals. You will guide members to find the right products, services, and fitness tribes, creating engaging, personalized experiences that promote ongoing participation, all while embodying the bold, adventurous Virgin spirit. Our goal is to make wellness more than just a gym—it’s a social lifestyle!

Your Duties and Responsibilities...

1. Recruitment, Onboarding & Retention: Curate a team of passionate fitness professionals by scouting, attracting, and recruiting talented Fitness and Group Exercise Instructors, both within and outside the club. Utilize the Online Hiring Assessment to measure success and help build a strong instructor team. Guide new hires through comprehensive induction covering conduct, studio setup, sound systems, and salary processes.
2. Team Management & Development: Develop and nurture a high-performing team of instructors, aligning staffing with club needs and budgets. Provide regular coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities, including CPD training to keep the team updated on the latest wellness and fitness standards.
3. Community Building & Instructor Support: Foster a sense of belonging among instructors through effective communication via one-on-one meetings, newsletters, and team gatherings. Manage CPD points and development scheduling, ensuring instructors are supported with studio setups and member bookings, following the STOP, LOOK & LISTEN strategy.
4. Delivering Exceptional Group Exercise Experiences: Lead by example by delivering memorable classes, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organization, and studio functionality. Oversee class timetables across digital platforms and manage last-minute no-shows efficiently.
5. Group Exercise Focus: Manage the group exercise timetable to deliver high-energy, engaging classes. Promote participation through events like FITFEST and DJ nights. Use data from GEX reports and collaborate with regional teams to optimize class offerings and instructor performance.
6. Member Social Wellness: Create welcoming environments and provide comprehensive inductions for new members. Promote all club offerings and manage the GEX Invitation system to boost class participation, app engagement, and event attendance.
7. Operational Excellence: Ensure group exercise spaces are functional, clean, and equipped with top-tier sound and equipment. Uphold health and safety standards and craft staffing schedules to maintain a lively, engaging club floor.
8. Marketing & Community Building: Drive in-club marketing campaigns to promote Group Exercise and Personal Training. Use digital and in-club channels to engage members and attract new ones.
9. Data Analysis & Performance Tracking: Monitor attendance and engagement metrics to identify trends and opportunities. Implement strategies to enhance class participation, mobile app usage, and overall class quality.

Our Minimum Requirements...

• Matric qualification
• A Recognized Fitness Qualification
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the Fitness Industry
• At least 3 years managing exercise experiences in a health club or similar setting
• 2-3 years managing people/teams
• Exceptional leadership skills
• Experience teaching various Group Exercise classes
• Passion for the wellness industry
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Alignment with VA brand values

Preferred Additional Skills and Experience...

• Experience in a health/wellness club
• Management experience
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Adaptability to fast-paced environments
• Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Winning mentality and motivation for success
• Commitment to making a positive impact
• Growth mindset
• Ability to work independently
• Trustworthiness and decision-making skills
• Action-oriented approach

Additional Advantages...

• Organizational and coordination skills
• Facilitation and presentation skills
• Broader wellness knowledge
• Decisiveness and agility
• Collaborative spirit
• High interpersonal skills (EQ)