Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

As a Head of Department, you will lift your function by serving your people so they can serve your members. Your leadership will ensure standards are upheld, people are supported, and members feel the difference every day, strengthening the entire club experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop your team through regular feedback, performance conversations and structured development plans.
• Create a positive, inclusive and safe team culture aligned with Virgin Active values.
• Ensure clear role expectations, accountability and ownership across the team.
• Recruit, onboard and retain top talent for your department.
• Manage performance issues promptly, fairly, consistently and in line with policy.
• Create fair and transparent rosters that balance business needs with team wellbeing and engagement.
• Role model professionalism, integrity and strong leadership behaviours at all times.
• Drive revenue, retention and key commercial KPIs relevant to your function.
• Translate budgets and targets into clear team priorities and actions.
• Use data and insights to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Ensure your team understands how their role impacts financial performance.
• Plan and manage rosters, productivity and labour spend to achieve budget outcomes.
• Use data to forecast staffing requirements and improve efficiency.
• Support cross-department collaboration to achieve overall club targets.
• Deliver club systems, processes and brand standards consistently across your department.
• Maintain a safe, compliant and well-run operating environment.
• Act as Manager on Duty and First Aid Officer when required, providing calm leadership during incidents.
• Take responsibility for the secure opening and closing of the club.
• Maintain accurate operational records and workforce documentation.
• Identify performance risks early and take action to prevent disruption.
• Continuously improve how your department operates.
• Keep your department organised, prepared and performing at a high standard.
• Work flexibly across the club’s seven-day trading hours to support members when they’re in the club.
• Champion exceptional service standards across your department.
• Ensure your team delivers warm, welcoming and professional interactions with members.
• Respond effectively to feedback, complaints and service recovery opportunities.
• Role model service behaviours and set the tone for the club experience.
• Partner with other departments to create a seamless member journey.
• Embed a culture of accountability for member satisfaction and experience.
• Collaborate on the design and maintenance of a strategic group exercise timetable with the National Group Exercise Manager, aligned to member demand, peak usage patterns and club commercial priorities.
• Conduct regular occupancy and utilisation reviews, using data insights to optimise class mix, scheduling and studio performance.
• Monitor program performance trends, identifying opportunities to grow attendance, engagement and retention.
• Maintain strong instructor quality assurance through observation, feedback and ongoing capability development.
• Ensure program changes are planned, communicated and implemented with minimal disruption to members whilst supporting business needs.
• Manage instructor scheduling to balance program quality, continuity and cost effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate program records, reporting and documentation to support performance tracking and decision-making.
• Maintain active presence in delivery environments to support standards and team capability.
• Collaborate with the HOD team to align group exercise strategy with broader club member experience and commercial goals.
• Coordinate and manage the events calendar, planning and delivering special events that drive member engagement, boost attendance and retention and enhance overall club culture and community connection.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements that enhance program appeal, operational efficiency and member satisfaction.

Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience as a Group Exercise Instructor, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality classes and understanding the operational needs of a club-based group exercise program, including timetables, instructor coverage and class utilisation.
• Demonstrated leadership and people-management capability, gained within or outside the fitness industry, with experience coordinating teams, supporting performance and development, managing schedules or workloads and driving engagement or participation outcomes.
• Cert III in Fitness (or other relevant GEX qualification), current First Aid, and the ability to readily obtain a clear Working with Children Check (if required).
• Lead with authenticity, care and integrity.
• Show up with empathy and fairness, and create an environment where people feel safe, supported and inspired to give their best.
• Understand how your role connects to the wider club and business goals.
• Think strategically, make informed decisions and help your team understand the purpose behind their work.
• Set high standards for yourself and others.
• Seek continuous improvement, challenge the status quo and drive performance, capability and results forward.
• Invest in your team’s development and wellbeing.
• Recognise contribution, build trust and create a culture of inclusion, collaboration and accountability.
• Step up, follow through and take responsibility for outcomes.
• Act with intent and lead from the front.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Address issues early, give honest feedback and use challenges as opportunities for growth.

Skills

• Group Exercise Instruction
• People Management
• Commercial Acumen
• Operational Efficiency
• Service Excellence
• Timetabling
• Instructor Management
• Class Utilisation
• Performance Management
• Team Development
• Budget Management
• Data Analysis
• Customer Feedback Management
• Event Coordination

Location

• Club based

Work Type

• Full-time
• Flexible working options

Experience Level

• Minimum 3-5 years experience as a Group Exercise Instructor
• Demonstrated leadership and people-management capability

Education Level

• Cert III in Fitness (or other relevant GEX qualification)
• Current First Aid
• Ability to obtain a clear Working with Children Check

Benefits

• Competitive performance incentives
• Complimentary club membership for you and a workout buddy
• Discounted personal training and wellbeing services
• Exclusive perks and discounts with retail and lifestyle partners
• Paid parental leave
• Ongoing personal and professional development
• 24/7 confidential wellbeing support through Employee Assistance Program

About the Company

• At Virgin Active, our people are our special sauce. We believe great teams create unforgettable member experiences — and that starts with a culture where energy, ownership and individuality are celebrated.
• You’ll join a team known for pushing boundaries, elevating standards and bringing personality into everything we do.
• We expect a lot — and in return, we invest in your growth, support your leadership journey and give you the freedom to make an impact.
• This is a place for people who want to grow, lead and contribute to something bigger than themselves — while having a bit of fun along the way.
• Join one of the world’s most iconic and purpose-led brands, changing people’s lives for the better through wellness.
• Be part of a culture that champions wellbeing, inclusion and growth, where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.
• A workplace built around movement and wellbeing, where energy and community are part of your everyday.
• A fun, human culture – we believe great results come from great energy, connection and smiles, not just spreadsheets.