Senior Fitness Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Facilities access

Wellness programs

Training support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Fitness Manager for our client’s flagship Pietermaritzburg facility. Lead a team of trainers, design comprehensive fitness programs, and drive member engagement while ensuring safety and service excellence.

You will oversee operations, manage budgets, monitor industry trends, and collaborate across departments to align fitness with broader leisure offerings. A relevant degree and REPSSA certification are required, with 5+ years in fitness management.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in sports science, exercise physiology, kinesiology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive fitness management experience.
• Certification from a recognized fitness body (e.g., REPSSA).
• Strong leadership, communication and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of fitness programming and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive fitness programs aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead and mentor fitness staff including trainers and instructors.
• Oversee daily operations, safety, cleanliness, and equipment maintenance.
• Drive membership growth and retention through marketing and community outreach.
• Monitor trends and integrate new fitness technologies and methodologies.
• Manage budget, forecast expenditure and revenue strategies.
• Conduct performance reviews and training for staff.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate fitness with leisure offerings.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budgeting

Marketing principles

Communication

Education

Degree in Sports Science / Exercise Physiology / Kinesiology

Tools

Fitness management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading sports and leisure organization, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Fitness Manager to oversee and elevate fitness operations in their flagship facility located in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a critical role responsible for driving member engagement, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a positive and motivating environment for both staff and clients. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of fitness programming, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for promoting healthy lifestyles within the community. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of fitness offerings and ensuring our client remains at the forefront of the leisure industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive fitness programs and strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of fitness professionals, including personal trainers and group exercise instructors, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional service delivery.
• Oversee daily operations of the fitness department, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, cleanliness standards, and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Drive membership growth and retention through innovative marketing initiatives, community outreach, and personalized member experiences.
• Monitor industry trends, research new fitness technologies and methodologies, and integrate them to enhance service offerings.
• Manage the fitness department budget effectively, including forecasting, expenditure control, and revenue generation strategies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and training to fitness staff.
• Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless integration of fitness services with overall leisure offerings.

Requirements

• A relevant degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fitness management, with a proven track record of success.
• Extensive knowledge of exercise science, programming, and fitness industry best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and marketing principles within the leisure sector.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Certification from a recognized fitness professional body (e.g., REPSSA).
• Proficiency in fitness management software and standard office applications.
• A passion for health, wellness, and promoting an active lifestyle.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes a generous base salary and performance-based incentives.

• access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities
• employee wellness programs
• a contribution towards ongoing professional training