Exercise Experience Manager Jobs in Gauteng | Fitness & Wellness Careers

Company: Virgin Active South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Job Title: Exercise Experience Manager
Location: Gauteng
Industry: Fitness / Wellness / Health Club / Sports Management
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: 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. Recruitment, 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

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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

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Education Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• 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

To qualify for this position, applicants should have:

• 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

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• 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

Employees will benefit from:

• 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.