Deputy Center Manager

The role requires significant commercial and leadership experience and competencies in the leisure, fitness and recreation sectors to drive the success of a large and complex gym facility located within a unique and ground breaking sports and entertainment complex in the heart of Dubai.

This position forms part of the senior management team and reports to the Centre Manager and project owners whilst also being directly involved in strategic planning and business management. Applicants will need to be comfortable managing a challenging workload, consistently achieving performance targets and working to tight deadlines and should demonstrate a proven ability to remain effective under pressure. Key responsibilities will include team management and development, establishing SOPs, regulatory compliance, budget preparation and the creation and presentation of detailed business analysis and reporting on an ongoing basis.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate and evidence their experience of managing a large commercial gym and related operations, in the United Arab Emirates or elsewhere, and be ready to confidently share examples of successes, challenges and learnings from their previous roles and professional background during the recruitment phase.

• Be the point of contact and escalation for the Fitness section and all related matters, pre- and post-opening.
• Develop successful partnerships with third party service providers, sponsors, contractors and suppliers, offering input wherever required and ensuring high standards and partnership success are achieved consistently.
• Purposefully strive to meet or exceed performance-related targets and budgetary goals, to achieve business optimisation and success with increased revenues and controlled expenses.
• Manage all performance metrics including P&L, revenue, budgeting and facility maintenance, reporting with a focus on business analysis to prepare and present comprehensive section reports and recommendations..
• Offer direction and advice on opportunities for greater efficiency and improving performance of the facility.
• Create and continually evaluate SOPs in line with best practices globally and ensure they are adhered to by all team members, service providers and contractors, utilising the ERP technology solution for FOH and back office.
• Maintain constant communication with the marketing team to ensure commercial opportunities are maximised.
• Ensure that standards for quality, customer service, health and safety are stringent and consistently maintained.
• Take overall responsibility for attracting, recruiting, developing, retaining and engaging the best talent, personalities and sporting people to collectively deliver business results and smash targets.
• Own the community building process, brand awareness and membership targets for the gym & fitness section.
• Act as both Centre and Fitness Manager on Duty on a regular basis, as and when required and particularly during the busiest operating periods, taking personal responsibility and accountability for ensuring the smooth operation of the facility and section to ensure daily customer success, excellent feedback, positive commercial outcomes and SOP compliance. This role may also deputise for the Centre Manager as and when required.
• Work various shifts, wherever possible, to maximise senior leadership across the facility (including holidays)
Act as an ambassador for the brand by maintaining the highest level of commitment and integrity at all times.

Education Qualification, Work Experience & Skills

10+ years of relevant experience in a management role in fitness or related industry, ideally in a 1,000sqm+ gym.

• University degree at Master or Bachelor level, or equivalent professional qualifications and/or experience.
• Prior experience of the leisure and recreation, sports and/or wellness industry(s), including team and facility management, is considered essential to hitting the ground running and ensuring the Centre’s success.
• Local market UAE experience is preferred and desirable, relevant experience internationally is advantageous.
• Experience starting, leading or scaling a successful startup and/or new project, including multi-site, is desirable.
• Extensive growth experience and marketing awareness, ability to motivate and influence with positive outcomes.
• Effective time management and scheduling skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks, KPIs and projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively present at all organisational levels.
• Experience in managing a small to medium team (10-15+), directing effective learning and development plans and successful delegation in a service-focused facility (e.g. F&B, hospitality, leisure, fitness, sports).
• Experience of financial planning and management, with strategic and business development bias and prowess.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm with a ‘can do’ attitude in every situation. We play until the whistle blows!