Build your career, follow your passion, be inspired by our environment of success #BeTheChange
THE UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON
If you are seeking a career that combines innovative education with a passion for crafting positive change, look no further than the University of East London. Founded in 1898 to meet the skills needs of the 2nd industrial revolution, we’re now in Year 5 of our ground-breaking 10-year Vision 2028 strategic plan, orchestrated by our Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Amanda Broderick.
Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We are committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a sustainable, inclusive, and green future.
But we can't achieve this goal alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative, and curious individuals like you to join our community and help us shape the future. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share your passion for generating positive change. We’re an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.
If you're ready to join a team that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world.
JOB PURPOSE
The Senior Fitness Instructor (Senior FI), under the general direction of the Health and Fitness Centre Manager (HFCM) holds delegated operational responsibility for the day-to-day running of the gym floor and plays a senior supervisory role within the Health and Fitness Centre.
The role helps ensure that service standards, safety compliance, staff coordination, and member engagement are maintained during allocated shifts. Acting as a senior member of the fitness team, and a leading fitness professional, the Senior FI supports operational delivery and ensures staff adhere to established policies, procedures, and service expectations.
The Senior FI supports the Health and Fitness Centre Manager (HFCM) in implementing departmental objectives aligned with SportsDock strategy. When required, the post holder may be required to act as Duty Manager in accordance with University policies and procedures.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Line manage and supervise Graduate Fitness Instructors, including setting objectives, conducting one-to-one meetings, monitoring performance, and addressing routine issues in line with University policy.
- Assist in the effective day-to-day running of the gym floor during allocated shifts.
- Act as a supervisory operational point of contact on shift, ensuring service standards, safety compliance, and staff deployment are maintained.
- Support and coordinate Fitness Instructors and Graduate Fitness Staff to ensure appropriate floor coverage and proactive member engagement.
- Monitor staff performance on shift and report concerns to the HFCM, addressing routine matters in line with agreed standards.
- Deputise for the Health and Fitness Centre Manager when required, including oversight of operational delivery, incident management, and escalation of issues where appropriate.
- Undertake Duty Manager responsibilities when required, including opening and closing procedures, emergency response, safeguarding compliance, and ensuring adherence to University policies.
- Ensure health and safety procedures, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures are followed and actively monitored.
- Maintain standards of cleanliness, equipment presentation, and facility environment, resolving routine issues or escalating where required.
- Actively engage with members to enhance customer experience, promote services, and encourage participation in classes and initiatives.
- Participate in the delivery of gym challenges, gym games and classes as well as other engagement activities, and retention initiatives aligned with agreed participation objectives.
- Contribute to data collection and reporting relating to participation, engagement, and operational performance.
- Support the implementation of new initiatives and service improvements within the fitness provision.
- Engage with and develop activities alongside the Active Campus brand across all campuses
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
· Level 3 Personal Training qualification (or equivalent).
· Experience working within a gym or leisure environment.
· Experience supervising staff or supporting shift coordination.
· Strong customer service and communication skills.
· Ability to make decisions within established procedures.
· Experience addressing routine performance issues constructively and professionally.
· Strong understanding of health and safety within a fitness setting.
· Ability to undertake Duty Manager responsibilities when required.
· To work unsociable hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays in accordance with the needs of the role
To work in accordance with all of University of East London policies, including HR, EDI, Sustainability and H&S
Desirable
· Experience line managing staff.
· Experience acting as Duty Manager or operational lead.
· Experience supporting engagement, retention, or participation initiatives.
· Knowledge of university or public-sector leisure environments.
· A proactive and organised approach to operational service delivery.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
· Act as a visible role model for professionalism, service standards, and operational compliance.
· Support the HFCM in setting and maintaining performance expectations across the fitness team.
· Provide constructive feedback and contribute to staff development and performance improvement.
· Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and performance-focused team environment.
· Promote a culture of accountability, member engagement, and service excellence.
· The Senior FI contributes directly to improving member engagement and retention through structured gym floor presence, proactive member interaction, and promotion of services and classes.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
· Educated to degree level and/or professional qualification in Sports and Exercise, Business Management or related disciplines
· Level 3 in Personal Training or Yoga/Pilates
Equal Opportunities
As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We are proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.
So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today!
Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must therefore already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.