Job Overview
We are looking for a dynamic and results-driven General Manager with over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry to spearhead our entry and growth in India. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scaling fitness businesses in India, with deep expertise in operations, team building, and market penetration. This role will involve working closely with our headquarters in Bahrain to set up and manage gym operations from scratch, including location selection & finalization, staffing, legal compliance, and marketing strategy. The General Manager will be the key driver in establishing our brand presence and ensuring operational excellence across multiple cities in India.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy & Setup
- Assist in identifying and finalizing suitable gym locations across major Indian cities.
- Negotiate lease agreements and liaise with property owners/landlords and IPCs.
- Work with architects, designers, and contractors to ensure gym facilities meet brand standards and operational requirements.
- Focus on setting up and successfully launching the first flagship centre in India.
2. Team Building & Training
- Collaborate with HQ to design and implement a hiring strategy for staff, including fitness trainers, front-desk personnel, and management teams.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training programs to align with global brand standards and local market needs.
- Develop a culture of excellence and customer-centricity among the team.
3. Operational & Legal Compliance
- Liaise with relevant agencies, banks, legal firms, and local authorities to secure necessary permits, licenses, and approvals for gym operations.
- Manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure seamless setup and ongoing operations.
- Ensure compliance with Indian labor laws, taxation, and business regulations.
4. Marketing & Brand Establishment
Work closely on:
- Hiring and managing a local marketing team or agency to develop and execute a market entry strategy tailored to the Indian fitness audience.
- Driving brand awareness through digital marketing, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.
- Monitoring market trends and competitor activities to refine marketing and operational strategies.
5. Business Scaling & Performance
- Develop and execute a roadmap for launching multiple gym locations across India within defined timelines.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as membership growth, revenue, and operational efficiency, reporting progress to HQ.
- Identify opportunities for expansion and optimization based on market feedback and performance data.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role in India.
- Proven track record of successfully scaling fitness businesses, including gym setup, operations, and team management.
- Strong understanding of the Indian fitness market, including consumer behavior, competition, and regulatory landscape.
- Experience in real estate evaluation, lease negotiations, and location planning for fitness facilities.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Prior experience working with international brands or collaborating with global headquarters is highly desirable.
- This role will require domestic travel within India and occasionally to Bahrain HQ
- Familiarity with Indian regulatory requirements related to fitness centers, labor laws, and taxation.
- Proven ability to manage marketing initiatives and drive brand growth.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
