About this role
About Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club
Founded in 1916, Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club is one of Tampas premier private clubs, offering generations of members exceptional golf, dining, recreation, fitness, and social experiences.
Our team is committed to delivering highly personalized service, maintaining exceptional standards of hospitality, and creating an environment where members, guests, and employees feel genuinely welcomed and valued.
Position Summary
Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club is seeking an experienced, energetic, and service-driven Fitness Director to provide leadership and strategic direction for the Clubs fitness and wellness operations.
This highly visible leadership position is responsible for creating an exceptional fitness and wellness experience for members while overseeing all aspects of departmental operations, including fitness programming, personal training, group exercise, staffing, facilities, equipment, financial performance, safety, and member engagement.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who combines fitness and wellness expertise with strong operational and financial management skills. Equally important is a genuine passion for hospitality, relationship-building, and delivering the personalized service expected within a premier private club environment.
Working closely with the General Manager and Club leadership, the Fitness Director will continually evaluate opportunities to enhance programs, facilities, services, and member engagement while cultivating an inviting, professional, safe, and energetic fitness environment for members of all ages and fitness levels.
Department Leadership & Operations
- Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day oversight of the Clubs fitness and wellness operations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, service standards, and operating controls consistent with Club expectations.
- Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, coach, and evaluate fitness department employees, personal trainers, instructors, and other assigned personnel.
- Establish clear performance and service expectations while fostering a professional, collaborative, positive, and member-focused team culture.
- Lead regular departmental meetings and participate in management meetings and Club initiatives as required.
- Maintain accurate departmental records, reports, payroll information, member charges, contracts, schedules, and other administrative documentation.
- Ensure departmental operations are appropriately staffed and organized to provide consistent, high- quality member service.
- Collaborate with other Club departments to coordinate programming, special events, communications, and memorable member experiences.
- Complete additional projects and assignments as directed by the General Manager.
Member Experience & Fitness Programming
- Create an exceptional, personalized fitness and wellness experience for Club members and their guests.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive annual calendar of fitness, wellness, and recreational programs that reflects the interests, needs, and demographics of the membership.
- Continually evaluate programming and introduce new classes, services, events, trends, and wellness initiatives designed to increase participation and member satisfaction.
- Coordinate and oversee personal training, group exercise, fitness assessments, wellness programs, clinics, workshops, challenges, and special events.
- Conduct or oversee appropriate fitness assessments and health screenings within the scope of professional certifications and Club protocols.
- Develop strong relationships with members and proactively seek feedback regarding programs, equipment, services, and facilities.
- Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable resource regarding fitness, wellness, exercise, and healthy lifestyle practices within the scope of the position.
- Develop educational presentations, seminars, challenges, and other wellness initiatives for the membership.
- Promote departmental programs and activities through Club communications, including newsletters, email, website content, and other member communication channels.
- Maintain a visible, approachable, and engaged presence throughout the fitness facilities.
- Respond promptly and professionally to member questions, concerns, suggestions, and service opportunities.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Develop, administer, and monitor the departments annual operating and capital budgets.
- Monitor departmental revenue and expenses and take appropriate action to support established financial objectives.
- Analyze participation, utilization, revenue, expenses, and other key performance indicators to identify opportunities for growth and operational improvement.
- Establish and administer appropriate fee structures for personal training, classes, programs, services, and other departmental offerings.
- Identify opportunities to enhance departmental revenue while maintaining a strong focus on member value and experience.
- Coordinate the purchase of fitness equipment, departmental supplies, and merchandise in accordance with approved budgets and Club purchasing procedures.
- Oversee inventory control and safeguard departmental assets, equipment, supplies, and retail merchandise.
- Evaluate equipment, facility, and capital needs and provide recommendations for future improvements and investments.
- Maintain appropriate financial and operational controls and ensure accurate member billing and departmental reporting.
Facilities, Equipment & Safety
- Maintain fitness facilities at a consistently high standard of cleanliness, organization, presentation, functionality, and safety.
- Regularly inspect fitness areas, locker rooms, equipment, and related facilities to identify maintenance, cleanliness, presentation, or safety concerns.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and facility needs with appropriate Club departments and outside vendors.
- Ensure fitness equipment is properly maintained, serviced, sanitized, and safe for member use.
- Maintain appropriate levels of towels, supplies, amenities, and other items necessary for daily operations.
- Develop, communicate, and enforce appropriate departmental safety practices and emergency procedures.
- Ensure employees understand their responsibilities during emergency situations and maintain all required certifications.
- Respond quickly, appropriately, and professionally to accidents, injuries, emergencies, and member concerns.
- Maintain appropriate documentation regarding incidents, equipment maintenance, inspections, and safety matters.
Staff Development & Professional Standards
- Provide ongoing coaching, education, feedback, and professional development opportunities for departmental employees.
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, hospitality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Remain knowledgeable regarding current fitness, wellness, training, technology, equipment, and programming trends.
- Encourage employees to maintain applicable professional certifications and participate in continuing education.
- Maintain personal professional development and pursue continuing education relevant to private-club fitness and wellness management.
- Serve as a positive representative of Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club and consistently uphold the Clubs standards of service, discretion, integrity, professionalism, and hospitality.
Education & Experience
- Bachelors degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Sports Management, Recreation Management, Health and Wellness, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible fitness, wellness, athletic, recreation, or health club management experience required.
- Previous management experience within a private club, country club, luxury hospitality, resort, or similarly service-driven environment strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience supervising employees, instructors, and/or personal trainers.
- Experience developing and implementing successful fitness and wellness programming.
- Experience managing departmental operations, schedules, facilities, and service standards.
- Experience preparing and administering operating and capital budgets preferred.
- Demonstrated success working directly with members, clients, or guests in a high-touch service environment.
Knowledge, Skills & Core Competencies
- Strong leadership, coaching, team-building, and employee-development skills.
- Comprehensive knowledge of fitness facility operations and industry best practices.
- Knowledge of personal training, group fitness, wellness programming, fitness assessments, and member engagement strategies.
- Strong understanding of fitness equipment, preventive maintenance requirements, facility operations, and safety practices.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to interact professionally with members, guests, employees, vendors, and Club leadership.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time-management abilities.
- Exceptional member-service and hospitality orientation.
- Financial acumen with an understanding of budgeting, expense management, revenue generation, forecasting, and departmental controls.
- Sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, initiative, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, service-focused environment.
- Proficiency with standard business technology and the ability to learn Club management, scheduling, and fitness-related software.
Certifications & Professional Affiliations
- Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by the Club.
- Nationally recognized fitness or personal training certification strongly preferred.
- Membership in or professional involvement with the National Association of Club Athletic Directors (NACAD) is desirable.
- Certification, membership, or professional affiliation with ACSM, NASM, NSCA, or another nationally recognized fitness organization is preferred.
- Additional certifications related to group fitness, strength and conditioning, wellness, nutrition, or specialized fitness programming are a plus.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Regularly stand, walk, bend, stretch, reach, twist, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs.
- Demonstrate or assist with fitness movements and equipment when appropriate.
- Perform repetitive movements and remain physically active for extended periods.
- Push, pull, move, and lift equipment or materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
- Work in both indoor and outdoor environments, including periods of heat and humidity.
- Respond quickly and appropriately during emergency situations.
- Maintain a flexible schedule based on Club operations, member programming, special events, and departmental needs, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation ranging from $70,000–$75,000 annually, plus commissions.
Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, work-life balance, and overall well-being of our employees.
Health & Wellness
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Choose from a variety of plans and coverage options designed to meet individual and family needs.
- Virtual Visits: Convenient online and telephone healthcare options are available for qualifying conditions that do not require an in-person appointment.
- Mental & Emotional Well-Being Resources: Access resources available through the Clubs medical plans and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Supplemental Health Benefits: Optional Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage provides an additional layer of financial protection for unexpected medical expenses.
- Pet Insurance: Optional coverage is available to help manage veterinary expenses, including eligible accidents, illnesses, and preventive care.
Financial Security & Protection
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax-advantaged savings options are available to help employees manage eligible healthcare expenses.
- Life Insurance: Employer-sponsored coverage provides additional financial protection and peace of mind.
- Disability Insurance: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits provide income protection for qualifying illnesses or injuries.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: Eligible employees may participate in the Clubs retirement savings plan, including an employer matching contribution in accordance with plan provisions.
- Identity Theft Protection: Optional services are available to help employees monitor and protect their personal information.
- Legal Assistance Services: Optional resources provide employees with access to assistance for a variety of personal legal matters.
Additional Club Benefits
- Complimentary Chef-Prepared Employee Meals: Enjoy meals prepared onsite during eligible work shifts.
- Employer-Provided Uniforms: Uniforms are provided for applicable positions.
- Paid Time Off: Eligible employees receive vacation, sick, personal, and holiday benefits in accordance with Club policies.
- Complimentary Onsite Parking: Convenient parking is provided for employees.
- Employee Appreciation: Participate in employee recognition activities, appreciation events, and the Clubs annual holiday celebration.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education, professional development, certifications, and industry involvement may be available based on position and Club needs.
Join Our Team
This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented fitness and wellness professional to lead a highly visible department within one of Tampas premier private clubs. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with members, develop innovative programming, lead a dedicated team, and help shape the continued evolution of the Clubs fitness and wellness experience.
Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The duties and responsibilities outlined above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or working conditions. Responsibilities and assignments may be modified as necessary to meet the ongoing operational needs of Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club.