Fitness Director

PALMA CEIA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB•Tampa, FL

22h•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club is seeking an experienced, energetic, and service-driven Fitness Director to provide leadership and strategic direction for the Club’s fitness and wellness operations. This highly visible leadership position is responsible for creating an exceptional fitness and wellness experience for members while overseeing all aspects of departmental operations, including fitness programming, personal training, group exercise, staffing, facilities, equipment, financial performance, safety, and member engagement. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who combines fitness and wellness expertise with strong operational and financial management skills. Equally important is a genuine passion for hospitality, relationship-building, and delivering the personalized service expected within a premier private club environment. Working closely with the General Manager and Club leadership, the Fitness Director will continually evaluate opportunities to enhance programs, facilities, services, and member engagement while cultivating an inviting, professional, safe, and energetic fitness environment for members of all ages and fitness levels.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of progressively responsible fitness, wellness, athletic, recreation, or health club management experience required.
Demonstrated experience supervising employees, instructors, and/or personal trainers.
Experience developing and implementing successful fitness and wellness programming.
Experience managing departmental operations, schedules, facilities, and service standards.
Demonstrated success working directly with members, clients, or guests in a high-touch service environment.
Strong leadership, coaching, team-building, and employee-development skills.
Comprehensive knowledge of fitness facility operations and industry best practices.
Knowledge of personal training, group fitness, wellness programming, fitness assessments, and member engagement strategies.
Strong understanding of fitness equipment, preventive maintenance requirements, facility operations, and safety practices.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to interact professionally with members, guests, employees, vendors, and Club leadership.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational, planning, and time-management abilities.
Exceptional member-service and hospitality orientation.
Financial acumen with an understanding of budgeting, expense management, revenue generation, forecasting, and departmental controls.
Sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, initiative, and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, service-focused environment.
Proficiency with standard business technology and the ability to learn Club management, scheduling, and fitness-related software.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by the Club.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Sports Management, Recreation Management, Health and Wellness, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
Previous management experience within a private club, country club, luxury hospitality, resort, or similarly service-driven environment strongly preferred.
Experience preparing and administering operating and capital budgets preferred.
Nationally recognized fitness or personal training certification strongly preferred.
Membership in or professional involvement with the National Association of Club Athletic Directors (NACAD) is desirable.
Certification, membership, or professional affiliation with ACSM, NASM, NSCA, or another nationally recognized fitness organization is preferred.
Additional certifications related to group fitness, strength and conditioning, wellness, nutrition, or specialized fitness programming are a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day oversight of the Club’s fitness and wellness operations.
Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, service standards, and operating controls consistent with Club expectations.
Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, coach, and evaluate fitness department employees, personal trainers, instructors, and other assigned personnel.
Establish clear performance and service expectations while fostering a professional, collaborative, positive, and member-focused team culture.
Lead regular departmental meetings and participate in management meetings and Club initiatives as required.
Maintain accurate departmental records, reports, payroll information, member charges, contracts, schedules, and other administrative documentation.
Ensure departmental operations are appropriately staffed and organized to provide consistent, high-quality member service.
Collaborate with other Club departments to coordinate programming, special events, communications, and memorable member experiences.
Complete additional projects and assignments as directed by the General Manager.
Create an exceptional, personalized fitness and wellness experience for Club members and their guests.
Develop and manage a comprehensive annual calendar of fitness, wellness, and recreational programs that reflects the interests, needs, and demographics of the membership.
Continually evaluate programming and introduce new classes, services, events, trends, and wellness initiatives designed to increase participation and member satisfaction.
Coordinate and oversee personal training, group exercise, fitness assessments, wellness programs, clinics, workshops, challenges, and special events.
Conduct or oversee appropriate fitness assessments and health screenings within the scope of professional certifications and Club protocols.
Develop strong relationships with members and proactively seek feedback regarding programs, equipment, services, and facilities.
Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable resource regarding fitness, wellness, exercise, and healthy lifestyle practices within the scope of the position.
Develop educational presentations, seminars, challenges, and other wellness initiatives for the membership.
Promote departmental programs and activities through Club communications, including newsletters, email, website content, and other member communication channels.
Maintain a visible, approachable, and engaged presence throughout the fitness facilities.
Respond promptly and professionally to member questions, concerns, suggestions, and service opportunities.
Develop, administer, and monitor the department’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Monitor departmental revenue and expenses and take appropriate action to support established financial objectives.
Analyze participation, utilization, revenue, expenses, and other key performance indicators to identify opportunities for growth and operational improvement.
Establish and administer appropriate fee structures for personal training, classes, programs, services, and other departmental offerings.
Identify opportunities to enhance departmental revenue while maintaining a strong focus on member value and experience.
Coordinate the purchase of fitness equipment, departmental supplies, and merchandise in accordance with approved budgets and Club purchasing procedures.
Oversee inventory control and safeguard departmental assets, equipment, supplies, and retail merchandise.
Evaluate equipment, facility, and capital needs and provide recommendations for future improvements and investments.
Maintain appropriate financial and operational controls and ensure accurate member billing and departmental reporting.
Maintain fitness facilities at a consistently high standard of cleanliness, organization, presentation, functionality, and safety.
Regularly inspect fitness areas, locker rooms, equipment, and related facilities to identify maintenance, cleanliness, presentation, or safety concerns.
Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and facility needs with appropriate Club departments and outside vendors.
Ensure fitness equipment is properly maintained, serviced, sanitized, and safe for member use.
Maintain appropriate levels of towels, supplies, amenities, and other items necessary for daily operations.
Develop, communicate, and enforce appropriate departmental safety practices and emergency procedures.
Ensure employees understand their responsibilities during emergency situations and maintain all required certifications.
Respond quickly, appropriately, and professionally to accidents, injuries, emergencies, and member concerns.
Maintain appropriate documentation regarding incidents, equipment maintenance, inspections, and safety matters.
Provide ongoing coaching, education, feedback, and professional development opportunities for departmental employees.
Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, hospitality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Remain knowledgeable regarding current fitness, wellness, training, technology, equipment, and programming trends.
Encourage employees to maintain applicable professional certifications and participate in continuing education.
Maintain personal professional development and pursue continuing education relevant to private-club fitness and wellness management.
Serve as a positive representative of Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club and consistently uphold the Club’s standards of service, discretion, integrity, professionalism, and hospitality.