Head of Fitness

GMC is health, fitness, and wellness company committed to creating exceptional fitness experiences through premium facilities, innovative concepts, and outstanding customer service. As we continue to expand our portfolio of clubs, we are seeking an experienced Head of Fitness to lead the strategic development and operational excellence of our fitness function across all existing and future locations.

About the Position

• The Head of Fitness is responsible for defining and executing GMC's fitness strategy, ensuring consistent service standards, commercial performance, and operational excellence across the network.
• This role leads the development of fitness concepts, oversees facility planning and equipment strategy for new club openings, drives fitness product innovation, and establishes best-in-class operating standards.
• Working closely with Operations, Projects, Marketing, HR, Procurement, and other business functions, the Head of Fitness will play a key role in shaping the member experience while maximising business performance and supporting the company's growth.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's overall fitness strategy, standards, policies, and operating procedures.
• Lead the planning and design of fitness areas for new club developments, ensuring operational efficiency and an outstanding member experience.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, project managers, contractors, and equipment suppliers throughout the design and construction process.
• Define equipment specifications, support procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning of fitness equipment.
• Design and continuously improve fitness products, including personal training, group exercise, functional training, and recovery services.
• Monitor fitness department performance, including revenue, profitability, trainer productivity, member engagement, retention, and customer satisfaction.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate Fitness Managers, Personal Trainers, and other fitness professionals.
• Establish company-wide recruitment, onboarding, certification, and training standards for fitness teams.
• Drive operational excellence through regular audits, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, workforce planning, and commercial growth strategies.
• Lead pre-opening fitness activities for new clubs, including staffing, operational readiness, and launch preparation.
• Prepare management reports and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Our Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Business Management, or a related field (Master's degree is an advantage).
• Minimum 8 years of experience in the fitness industry, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing multiple clubs or large-scale fitness operations.
• Proven experience in fitness operations, facility planning, new club openings, fitness concept development, and commercial management.
• Strong understanding of personal training, group exercise, functional training, and member engagement strategies.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, revenue targets, and operational KPIs.
• Strong project management, analytical, and business planning skills.
• Professional fitness certifications (NASM, ACSM, ACE, NSCA, EREPS, or equivalent) are highly preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
• Fluent English is required; additional languages are an advantage.

Location: Baku, Bayil Bay Kempinski

Please include the job title “Head of Fitness” in the subject line of your email.

Thank you for considering us as your potential employer. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Interested candidates can apply by filling out the form in the Apply for job button.