About the role
An exciting opportunity awaits an ambitious and people-focused General Manager to launch and lead a brand-new premium boutique Reformer Pilates studio on King's Road, Chelsea, opening in early January.
The successful candidate will join an internationally recognised boutique fitness concept as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK. Joining ahead of opening, they will spend their first weeks training and shadowing within the brand's established London studios before taking the lead on launching Chelsea. This means building the team, the community and the membership base from day one.
THE COMPANY
An internationally recognised boutique Reformer Pilates concept, now opening its third London studio as it continues its expansion into the UK. The brand has built its name on a hospitality-led member experience, premium class delivery and a genuine sense of community, and is fast establishing itself as a leading destination for Reformer Pilates. With ambitious growth plans across the UK, it offers a rare opportunity to join a boutique fitness business at a pivotal stage of its journey.
THE BASICS
● Salary: £50-55,000
● Working Hours: 40 hours p/w (minimum)
● Location: King's Road, Chelsea
● Start Date: By early December, ahead of a January opening
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a rare chance to open a studio rather than inherit one. The General Manager will shape the Chelsea studio's culture, team and reputation from the ground up, with the support of a founder-led business and the playbook of its existing London sites. It suits someone who thrives in boutique fitness, loves building community, and wants to grow with a brand at an exciting stage of its UK expansion.
THE ROLE
Pre-Opening & Launch
* Complete an immersive training period across the brand's existing London studios, learning its operations, standards and member journey.
* Lead the recruitment and onboarding of the founding Chelsea team across front of house and coaching.
* Drive pre-sale membership campaigns and founding-member acquisition ahead of opening.
* Build local partnerships and community initiatives across Chelsea to establish the studio before its doors open.
* Oversee launch readiness, including systems, stock, equipment and studio presentation.
Studio Leadership & Community
* Lead the day-to-day operation of the studio, creating an exceptional experience for every member.
* Act as the face of the business, building genuine relationships and fostering a welcoming, inclusive community.
* Create an environment where members feel recognised, supported and inspired throughout their fitness journey.
* Lead by example, setting the benchmark for professionalism, hospitality and energy.
Commercial Performance & Membership Growth
* Take ownership of the studio's commercial performance, driving revenue, profitability and sustainable growth.
* Deliver membership acquisition, retention and utilisation targets through exceptional customer experience and strong commercial leadership.
* Oversee membership sales, renewals, retail performance and additional revenue opportunities.
* Monitor studio KPIs, identifying trends and implementing strategies to maximise performance.
* Collaborate with marketing on local campaigns, events and partnerships to drive awareness and lead generation.
Team Leadership & Development
* Build and develop a high-performing team across front of house and coaching.
* Create a positive, accountable and engaging team culture built around exceptional service.
* Conduct regular one-to-ones, performance reviews and development planning.
* Lead team meetings and ongoing training to ensure consistency across every member interaction.
* Support coach development and ensure class delivery reflects the premium standards of the business.
Studio Operations
* Oversee the seamless day-to-day running of the studio.
* Maintain the studio to impeccable standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation.
* Manage staffing rotas, payroll considerations and operational scheduling.
* Ensure all operational procedures, compliance and health & safety requirements are consistently met.
* Monitor stock levels, equipment maintenance and supplier relationships.
Member Experience
* Deliver a hospitality-led member journey across every touchpoint.
* Ensure every member receives a personalised and memorable experience from their first visit onwards.
* Proactively gather member feedback and implement improvements where required.
* Create initiatives that strengthen engagement, retention and community loyalty.
Systems & Administration
* Manage studio management systems (Mindbody), memberships, bookings and reporting.
* Produce regular operational and commercial reports for senior leadership.
* Maintain accurate member records and operational documentation.
* Support studio social media and local marketing initiatives where appropriate.
THE PERSON
Must-Have Experience:
* Previous experience in a management position within boutique fitness, wellness, hospitality or another premium customer-focused business.
* Proven experience driving membership sales, retention and commercial performance.
* Strong leadership experience managing and developing customer-facing teams.
* Excellent understanding of operational management, staffing and studio performance.
* Experience working towards revenue and KPI targets.
* Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
* Available to start by early December.
* Flexible to work early mornings, evenings and weekends as required.
Highly Desirable:
* Experience opening or launching a new studio, gym or hospitality site, including pre-sales.
* Experience working within a boutique Pilates or fitness environment.
* Previous experience using Mindbody or similar studio management software.
* Understanding of Reformer Pilates or a genuine passion for the boutique fitness industry.
* Experience supporting local marketing, events and community engagement initiatives.
Your recruiter for this role is Charlotte Wood, Recruitment Consultant at Jobs In. Fitness, and can be contacted simply by applying for this role below. Jobs In. Fitness are a fitness recruitment agency, specialising in hundreds of fitness jobs in the UK like these. If you are keen to be considered please 'apply now'. Please note that only applicants matching the strict criteria above will be contacted as part of the recruitment process.