Senior Fitness Instructor

Salary: £35,453 to £38,827 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Post Type: Full Time

Post Type: Fixed Term

Closing Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026

Interview Date: Monday 30 March 2026

Reference: 0619-26-S

Build your career, follow your passion, be inspired by our environment of success.

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. 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.

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, the Senior FI supports operational delivery and ensures staff adhere to established policies, procedures, and service expectations.

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.
• Cooperate with 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

• 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.
• 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.

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.

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap" and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made.

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. CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.