Group Exercise Manager

About the role

A leading sports, fitness and leisure destination in the UAE is looking for an experienced Group Exercise Manager to lead and develop its group fitness programmes. The role covers the quality, safety, performance and ongoing development of group exercise activities, including managing coaches, introducing new programmes, maintaining service standards and helping grow member participation and retention. It is a hands-on leadership position.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations and performance of the group exercise department and maintain high standards of coaching, service, safety and class delivery.
• Develop structured, engaging programmes for different fitness levels and design and introduce signature classes and new fitness programmes.
• Conduct regular class observations, quality checks and departmental audits, and monitor attendance, participation, feedback and programme performance.
• Support membership growth and retention, build strong member relationships and create a welcoming, community-focused training environment.
• Lead, guide and support group exercise coaches through workshops, training sessions and skills development; ensure coaches follow approved methods, service standards and safety procedures.
• Keep studios, training areas and equipment safe, clean and ready for use, and keep all professional certifications and UAE fitness registration requirements up to date.
• Support member events, fitness challenges, promotions and community initiatives, and work with other departments on wider business objectives.

Required profile

• At least five years of experience in group exercise coaching.
• At least two years managing or supervising group exercise programmes, coaches or a fitness department.
• An internationally recognised group exercise or fitness certification and certification in at least three Les Mills programmes.
• A recognised indoor group cycling certification.
• Experience training, supervising or developing group exercise coaches.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends and public holidays when required.
• Overseas applicants are welcome if they are willing to relocate to the UAE and complete any required certification, registration, licensing, visa or employment procedures.

Preferred: previous experience in the UAE or another GCC country, current UAE REPs registration, experience in a large fitness club, sports complex or leisure destination, and experience launching new classes or signature programmes.

Candidates apply by submitting an updated CV via the recruiter's website, highlighting group exercise coaching experience, team or department management experience, Les Mills and indoor cycling certifications, UAE REPs registration if available, current location and availability to relocate.