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.

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.