Exercise Experience Manager Jobs in Gauteng

Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 680,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

Wellness-focused work environment

Premium fitness facilities

Job summary

Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd is seeking an experienced Exercise Experience Manager to lead dynamic fitness communities across Gauteng. The role focuses on delivering engaging wellness experiences, managing group exercise programs, fitness instructors, member engagement, wellness events, and health club operations.

The successful candidate will drive membership participation, optimize class schedules, and ensure exceptional customer experiences through innovative wellness programs and

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12 qualification required.
• A recognized fitness qualification is required.
• Certifications in Personal Training, Group Exercise, Wellness Coaching, Sports Science, Fitness Management, or Health Promotion are advantageous.
• Additional leadership or wellness management training is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard and retain highly skilled fitness and group exercise instructors.
• Lead and develop a team of fitness instructors and coordinate CPD training.
• Build inclusive fitness communities and manage instructor scheduling.
• Deliver engaging group exercise experiences and maintain studio standards.
• Oversee the Group Exercise timetable and optimize class participation.
• Manage member inductions and promote wellness offerings.
• Ensure cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence across studios.
• Execute in-club marketing for fitness programs and services.
• Monitor attendance and engagement trends to drive retention.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Customer engagement

Organization

Presentation skills

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Recognized fitness qualification

Certifications: PT / Group Exercise / Wellness Coaching (advantage)

Leadership/wellness management training (beneficial)

Job description

Company: Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) LtdJob Title: Exercise Experience ManagerLocation: GautengIndustry: Fitness / Wellness / Health Club / Sports ManagementJob Type: Full-TimeSalary: Competitive Market-Related Salary (Based on Experience, Skills, and Qualifications)

Job Overview

Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd is seeking an experienced and energetic Exercise Experience Manager to lead dynamic fitness communities across Gauteng. This exciting leadership role focuses on delivering engaging wellness experiences, managing group exercise programs, fitness instructors, member engagement, wellness events, and health club operations. The successful candidate will play a major role in building thriving fitness communities, increasing member participation, optimizing group fitness schedules, and ensuring outstanding customer experiences through innovative wellness programs and operational excellence. This opportunity is ideal for professionals looking for fitness jobs in Gauteng, wellness manager jobs, gym management careers, health club jobs, sports management jobs, exercise instructor management roles, group exercise jobs, customer engagement jobs, personal training management jobs, and fitness leadership careers.

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Key Job Responsibilities (JD)

The Exercise Experience Manager will oversee wellness experiences, instructor management, fitness communities, and member engagement initiatives.

1. Recruit, Onboarding & Retention

   Recruit, attract, and onboard highly skilled Fitness and Group Exercise Instructors

   Conduct assessments using online hiring tools

   Facilitate induction training for new instructors

   Introduce instructors to club standards, operational processes, studio management, and payroll procedures

   Develop instructor retention initiatives to maintain a high-performing team

2. Team Management & Development

   Lead and manage a team of Fitness and Group Exercise Instructors

   Provide coaching, mentoring, and continuous feedback

   Align staffing requirements with operational budgets and club needs

   Coordinate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training opportunities

   Encourage innovation in wellness and exercise experiences

3. Community Building & Instructor Support

   Build inclusive and engaging fitness communities

   Strengthen communication through meetings, newsletters, and one-on-one coaching

   Manage instructor scheduling and development planning

   Implement the STOP, LOOK & LISTEN strategy for class preparation and instructor support

   Ensure studios are fully prepared and operational for every class session

4. Delivering Exceptional Group Exercise Experiences

   Deliver engaging and memorable group exercise classes

   Maintain studio cleanliness, sound systems, and equipment standards

   Manage class timetables across digital systems and mobile platforms

   Handle last-minute scheduling adjustments and instructor replacements

   Ensure exceptional member experiences during every wellness session

5. Group Exercise Programme Management

   Oversee and optimize the Group Exercise (GEX) timetable

   Increase class attendance and member participation

   Organize wellness events such as FITFEST, fitness activations, DJ nights, and wellness experiences

   Use data analytics to improve class schedules, formats, and instructor performance

   Collaborate with regional teams to maximize engagement and retention

6. Member Social Wellness

   Conduct comprehensive member inductions

   Promote group exercise, wellness programs, personal training, fitness classes, and digital wellness solutions

   Support member engagement using mobile apps and digital platforms

   Manage invitation systems to encourage class attendance

   Create positive and welcoming wellness experiences

7. Operational Excellence

   Maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in all fitness areas

   Ensure gym equipment and sound systems are functional

   Monitor compliance with health, safety, and operational standards

   Develop staffing schedules to ensure seamless club operations

   Maintain a safe and motivating environment for members and staff

8. Marketing & Community Engagement

   Execute in-club fitness marketing initiatives

   Promote group exercise programs, wellness campaigns, and personal training services

   Drive member participation through digital and physical marketing

   Build excitement around wellness experiences and fitness offerings

9. Data Analysis & Performance Tracking

   Monitor attendance and engagement trends

   Analyse fitness performance reports and class booking data

   Identify improvement opportunities within wellness offerings

   Implement action plans to improve member participation and retention

   Support mobile app engagement and digital fitness adoption

Education Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 qualification
• A Recognized Fitness Qualification
• Certifications in Personal Training, Group Exercise, Wellness Coaching, Sports Science, Fitness Management, or Health Promotion are advantageous
• Additional professional training in leadership or wellness management will be beneficial

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the Fitness Industry
• At least 3 years’ experience managing exercise experiences within a health club, wellness centre, or gym environment
• 2–3 years of people management experience
• Experience teaching a variety of Group Exercise classes
• Proven leadership and team-building experience
• Strong understanding of wellness operations and member engagement

Required Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities
• Passion for health, wellness, fitness, and member success
• Organizational and coordination skills
• Strong presentation and facilitation abilities
• Adaptability in a fast-changing environment
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Emotional intelligence (EQ) and conflict management skills
• High accountability and trustworthiness

Training and Career Development

• Continuous professional development (CPD) training
• Exposure to innovative fitness and wellness technologies
• Career advancement opportunities within fitness management and wellness leadership
• Hands-on experience in community building, digital wellness, and operational management
• Leadership development and instructor coaching opportunities

Salary and Benefits

The company offers a competitive salary package based on qualifications and industry experience. Additional benefits may include:

• Career growth opportunities
• Ongoing fitness and leadership training
• Wellness-focused work environment
• Exposure to premium fitness facilities
• Professional networking and development opportunities

Why Join This Role?

This role is ideal for passionate professionals who enjoy fitness management, wellness leadership, customer engagement, gym operations, personal training, group exercise, health club management, team leadership, wellness coaching, and community building while making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

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