Head Fitness Instructor - Summer 2026 - Various Mediterranean Resorts in Sunderland

LOCATION: Europe – Neilson Beach Clubs across the Mediterranean

DATES: Summer seasonal, April until November

REPORTS TO: Activity Manager

SALARY: Up to £950 PCM gross + Shared accommodation + flights, meals + great overall package

The Head Fitness Instructor is a senior leadership position with Neilson, requiring reliability, confidence and friendliness. You must also possess strong leadership skills, a mature attitude and a respectable level of experience within the fitness world. To be considered you need a valid First Aid certificate and the following qualifications:

• Level 2 Fitness Instructor
• Level 3 Personal Training

You must also be qualified in at least one of the following disciplines:

• Qualified Pilates Instructor
• Qualified Yoga Teacher / Instructor – RYT 200‑hour
• Level 2 Indoor Cycling Instructor
• Les Mills Bodypump® Instructor
• Qualified Suspension Exercise Trainer
• Qualified Aqua Aerobics Instructor
• Qualified Zumba Instructor
• Exercise to Music

Our Fitness Instructors must be passionate about fitness, energetic, friendly, and ready to work independently. You must have group session instructional experience and a high level of personal fitness, as you will regularly guide 5 km runs and lead 4‑6 classes daily. You and your team will interact with individuals from all walks of life at varying fitness levels and deliver a varied weekly programme that is always safe, fun, and precisely tailored to your guests.

In your role you will create sessions around the facilities and equipment available in the resort and draw upon your team's skills, knowledge, and training.

Additional Disciplines Your Team Can Teach:

• Aqua Aerobics
• Stretch & Relax
• Zumba
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Kids fitness sessions
• Boxercise
• Gym sessions
• Personal training
• Circuit training
• HIIT

We have plenty to keep our staff motivated with lots of fantastic activities, including dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand‑up paddle boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, cycling and tennis as part of the deal. Working for Neilson is more than a job; it’s a lifestyle. Spend the summer season based in one of our beautiful beach club resorts, where it’s all about sharing your passion for the activities you love. You’ll be working hard, but the work is fun, and there’s always plenty of time to play. We’re looking for friendly, energetic, and approachable people who can build rapport with ease. Individuals who can instil confidence that every element of a Neilson holiday is delivered by a team who cares. All Neilson Active staff are DBS‑checked.

Job Criteria & Responsibilities:

• Lead your team to deliver outstanding Fitness coaching in line with the Neilson programme.
• Prepare suitable experience and ability‑based sessions for adults and children.
• Create and organise lesson plans to incorporate warm‑ups and cool‑downs.
• Operate a programme incorporating group classes and personal training sessions.
• Demonstrate and deliver effective techniques to accommodate varying levels of fitness.
• Actively promote the fitness programme to increase participation.
• Ensure fitness supplies are always well‑monitored and stocked.
• Inform the line manager promptly when orders are required.
• Train new or peak‑season instructors with the knowledge and skills to deliver the Neilson fitness programme.
• Ensure the highest standard of health and safety is adhered to.
• Fully advise guests on the practical / safe use of all equipment.
• Take personal responsibility for the maintenance, repair, and security of all Neilson fitness equipment.
• Ensure the appearance of the fitness areas always meets guest expectations.
• Organise / host social events and briefings.
• Be prepared to move between resorts according to the operational needs of the business.
• Be willing to help out and cover in other departments as required.
• Provide excellent airport transfers, consistently delivering personable, informative, and efficient service.

First Aid Requirements:

A First Aid certificate is a prerequisite for all Neilson Active job roles. Your certificate must be valid for the duration of your contract, which we will validate as part of your onboarding process. At a minimum, your First Aid Course must be an attended full‑day practical course. We also encourage anyone working closely with children to consider obtaining their Paediatric First Aid at Work certificate; however, this is not an obligation for the job.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Experience leading, managing and inspiring within the fitness industry – Highly beneficial.
• An understanding of current fitness developments.
• A solid understanding and knowledge of physiology and anatomy.
• Understanding in the use of fitness equipment and the associated safety procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Flexible to work all the required hours with your team to get the job done well.
• Ability to deliver fun, engaging, safe and informative tuition.
• The ability to confidently hold a conversation and instruct in English.
• Ability to work well, independently, as part of a team, and to maintain effective working relationships.

Working for Neilson:

There is much to be gained from working anywhere within the Neilson programme. The people skills, the life skills, the confidence you’ll develop, and the overall experience will stay with you forever. You will have the time of your life, make a bunch of new friends, enjoy mad adventures, and create stories you’ll be telling for years.

The Package Includes:

• Staff accommodation provided on a shared basis – No bills to stress about
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on duty
• Travel to and from the resort within Europe (subject to our staff travel policy)
• Visa & permits if applicable (UK Passport holders)
• Full training, including e‑learning packages
• Opportunities for progression via our jump‑up / Jump higher programmes
• Uniform specific to your job role
• One day off per week + accrued holidays
• Mate's rates & family holiday discounts
• Emergency medical & dental insurance
• Opportunities to obtain additional qualifications via the Neilson Academy
• Feel free to use the resort equipment in your spare time
• 24/7 access to emergency assistance support – Independent mental health support service