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The Athletic Clubs

Founding General Manager (Upper West Side)

The Athletic Clubs, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Overview The Founding General Manager (GM) will play a pivotal role in launching and leading our new location, Upper West Side. You’re not just opening doors; you’re setting the tone, building the team, and crafting a new community. This role demands a proactive, hands-on leader who can thrive through change and momentum. You’ll own everything from pre-opening activations to post-launch performance, with the opportunity to shape what this location becomes.

Responsibilities Pre-Opening Phase:

Partner with NSO and Sales to lead presale activations, local outreach, and Run Club or outdoor event execution

Hire, onboard, and train Coaches and Community Managers with support from T&D and Operations

Drive local lead engagement and support early conversions in partnership with Sales

Ensure operational readiness across staffing, scheduling, software systems, inventory, uniforms, and facility set-up

Embody and represent the brand in the local community, from events to early touch points with members

Post-Opening Phase:

Own and optimize all studio operations, from financials and labor management to cleanliness and member experience

Lead, develop, and manage the studio team — creating a culture of accountability, excellence, and fun

Deliver an average of 15 classes per week

Maintain a consistent and visible in-studio presence to support team culture, member engagement, and operational excellence. Participation in team workouts.

Track KPIs weekly and make tactical decisions to support retention, referrals, and revenue

Foster a thriving member community by ensuring high engagement, consistent programming delivery, and an elevated in-studio experience

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Pre-Opening:

Pre-Sale Lead Engagement Rate

Community Event Execution Score

Hiring Completion Rate for Coaches & CMs

Launch Readiness Score

Staff Onboarding Completion

GM Conversion Contribution (tracked separately from Sales)

Soft Opening Execution Score

Post-Opening:

Studio Revenue

Labor % to Revenue (Coaches)

Squad Utilization Rate

Midday Revenue vs. Target

Referral Conversion Count

Member Count

New Member Onboarding Completion Rate

Studio Audit Score

Staff Retention (Coach & CM)

Who You Are

A natural leader with experience in studio management, team building, and community development

Passionate about our brand and confident leading teams in high-growth, high-energy environments

Organized, tactical, and great under pressure

Skilled at reading the room, managing people, and juggling multiple priorities

2+ years of leadership or studio operations experience in a fitness, hospitality, or high-growth service environment

CPR, First Aid & AED certified (or willing to obtain)

Willingness to work non-traditional hours including mornings, evenings, and weekends

Ability to lift and carry at least 30 lbs; capable of standing for long periods and moving freely within the space

NASM CPT (or equivalent)

Benefits

4 weeks of PTO/year with immediate accrual

40 hours paid sick time

401k

Health insurance

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