At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social wellness initiatives and create engaging experiences for Virgin Active members.
- Company: Join Virgin Active, a leader in wellness and leisure experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, complimentary membership, and health insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social wellness and connect with vibrant communities.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in hospitality or community-focused roles required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Virgin Active are committed to changing people's lives for the better through wellness. Our team are dedicated to delivering a unique leisure and relaxation experience throughout all our clubs. All our team members pride themselves on incorporating Virgin Active values and ensuring the highest Brand Standards into their work, so our members can experience the finest facilities and service. We take value in recruiting the very best team members who work behind the scenes to support our clubs in delivering a world class member experience.
As Head of Social, you’ll define and deliver Virgin Active’s UK social wellness proposition, creating standout experiences, partnerships and programming that strengthen member connection and differentiate our clubs from traditional gyms. You’ll shape what social wellness means in practice across the member journey and build scalable formats that increase engagement, dwell time and visit frequency across the estate.
The Role
- Own and deliver the UK social wellness proposition across the club estate
- Define how social connection shows up before, during and after workouts
- Create a culturally relevant calendar of social programming across clubs
- Develop signature Virgin Active social experiences members choose to attend
- Design scalable programming formats with flexibility for local delivery
- Strengthen activation of lounges, cafés and social spaces within clubs
- Create pathways that help members move from attendance to participation to belonging
- Build partnerships with brands, creators and communities that enhance member experience
- Introduce inspiration from hospitality, culture and wellness sectors
- Define KPIs to measure participation, engagement and programme impact
- Track the influence of social programming on dwell time, visit frequency and retention
- Partner with Brand, Product, PT, GEXI and Operations to embed social connection across the member journey
Experience
- Significant senior experience within hospitality, lifestyle, community, brand experience or culture-led consumer businesses
- Proven track record creating experiences people genuinely want to be part of
- Experience building new concepts, propositions or functions from the ground up
- Strong cultural awareness and instinct for what feels relevant and differentiated
- Experience delivering scalable initiatives across multi-site environments
- Strong partnership development capability across brands, creators and communities
- Commercial mindset with the ability to connect experience to measurable outcomes
- Confidence influencing senior stakeholders across multiple teams
Our Perks
- 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, plus a Celebration Day – and we want you to take them
- Access to Scottish Widows Pension with us matching contributions up to 5%
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy. You can also get free membership for your children too, ability to take advantage of our Club V.
- Private Dental and Healthcare Insurance – your physical health is important, and we want you to have access to healthcare should you require it.
- Life Assurance 4x your salary – which we hope you will not need.
- Discounts across Virgin Active – everything from guest passes to 50% off PT sessions.
- Join Virgin Family - communicate with colleagues across Virgin Group, with many discounts (including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Holidays and Virgin Media/O2)
- 20% off food and drink at our KAUAI branches located in clubs.
- Access to Salary Finance for loans and savings plans.
- BUPA employer assistance programme with 4 free counselling sessions.
- Complimentary corporate letting services with Dexters.
- Access to ePoints, offering online discounts to retailers.
- Discount on all Academy courses, trained by the very best instructors.
Head of Club Social & Events in London employer: Virgin Active
At Virgin Active, we are dedicated to transforming lives through wellness, and as an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Our team enjoys a range of benefits including generous annual leave, private healthcare, and complimentary memberships, all while working in an environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Join us in shaping unique social experiences that not only enhance member engagement but also allow you to thrive within a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Club Social & Events in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Virgin Active. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Virgin Active
Don't be shy about reaching out to Virgin Active directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Club Social & Events in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Virgin Active and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Active
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
