Senior Area Director of Operations - Fitness Industry

Crunch Fitness - Fit Fusion LLC•Walker, MI

28d•$120,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Fit Fusion, LLC, an independently owned and operated Crunch Fitness franchisee, is seeking an experienced Senior Area Director of Operations to lead operational and business performance across an assigned territory of approximately 15 clubs. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this role leads and develops Area Directors of Operations and General Managers while driving consistent execution across a growing multi-state organization. The Senior Area Director is accountable for territory-level performance, leadership development, profitability, membership growth, labor management, member experience, and operational excellence. This is a field-based leadership role requiring frequent travel, generally 50% or more, throughout the assigned territory, including overnight travel. Travel may increase during new club openings, leadership transitions, acquisitions, or significant operational initiatives. Flexible work-from-home options are available.

Requirements

7+ years of progressive multi-unit operations leadership experience, ideally within the fitness industry.
Demonstrated experience leading multi-unit or regional leaders, in addition to individual location managers.
Proven success managing a significant portfolio of locations and driving measurable improvement in revenue, profitability, growth, labor performance, and customer/member experience.
Strong track record of developing leaders and building leadership bench strength.
Strong financial acumen, including the ability to interpret P&Ls, budgets, operating metrics, forecasts, and performance trends.
Ability to quickly identify performance gaps, establish clear priorities, and drive accountability through multiple leadership levels.
Strong executive presence, communication skills, judgment, and ability to influence across functions.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growing, geographically dispersed organization.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel frequently throughout the assigned territory.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting new location openings, market expansion, acquisitions, integrations, or significant operational transitions.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, or a related discipline; significant relevant leadership experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop Area Directors of Operations and General Managers across an assigned territory of approximately 15 clubs.
Drive territory performance across EBITDA and profitability, net membership growth, new member production, average EFT, labor performance, retention, and member experience.
Review financial and operating performance, identify trends and opportunities, and ensure effective action plans are implemented and sustained.
Hold Area Directors of Operations and General Managers accountable for operating standards, business results, leadership effectiveness, and execution of Company priorities.
Build leadership bench strength and succession plans across Area Director, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager roles.
Own the selection and staffing of General Managers and Assistant General Managers, including leadership staffing for new club openings.
Manage territory performance against approved operating, payroll, and expense budgets, and drive corrective action where needed.
Ensure operational training is effectively delivered, reinforced, and applied through Area Directors, Senior GMs, GMs, and club leadership, partnering with Training & Development as needed.
Ensure clubs consistently deliver an exceptional member experience and meet Company expectations for cleanliness, safety, facility standards, service, and overall execution.
Drive club-level execution of Company retail programs, including sales expectations, merchandising, and inventory controls, in partnership with Retail and Operations leadership.
Partner with Personal Training, Group Fitness, Retail, Facilities, People & Culture, Finance, Marketing, Training & Development, Presale, and New Club Operations to drive Company initiatives and resolve operational barriers.
Support new club development throughout the presale and pre-opening period, including GM/AGM selection, operational training, staffing readiness, and coordination with Presale and New Club Operations.
Assume full Operations ownership of new clubs beginning on opening day and ensure successful transition into ongoing operations.
Provide hands-on leadership during significant performance challenges, leadership transitions, new openings, acquisitions, and other periods requiring elevated operational support.
Maintain a strong field presence through regular market and club visits throughout the assigned territory.