Operations - Facilities Manager

About this role

• Be the go-to person for all things maintenance in a global, iconic brand
• Permanent, full-time gig at our iconic Pitt Street club
• Free gym membership for you & a friend+ discounted PT + discounts with retailers

The Virgin way

At Virgin Active, our people are our special sauce. We believe great teams create unforgettable member experiences — and that starts with a culture where energy, ownership and individuality are celebrated. You’ll join a team known for pushing boundaries, elevating standards and bringing personality into everything we do. We expect a lot — and in return, we invest in your growth, support your leadership journey and give you the freedom to make an impact. This is a place for people who want to grow, lead and contribute to something bigger than themselves — while having a bit of fun along the way.

The impact you’ll make

As a Head of Department, you don’t just run a function — you lift it. You serve your people so they can serve your members — and when both thrive, results follow naturally. You build strong teams, shape culture, and drive performance in a way that strengthens the entire club experience. Your leadership ensures standards are upheld, people are supported, and members feel the difference every day.

What success looks like

Success in this role comes from balancing leadership across five key pillars:

1. People Leadership

You are accountable for building a high-performing, engaged and capable team.

Key accountabilities include

• Lead, coach and develop your team through regular feedback, performance conversations and structured development plans.
• Create a positive, inclusive and safe team culture aligned with Virgin Active values.
• Ensure clear role expectations, accountability and ownership across the team.
• Recruit, onboard and retain top talent for your department.
• Manage performance issues promptly, fairly, consistently and in line with policy.
• Create fair and transparent rosters that balance business needs with team wellbeing and engagement.
• Role model professionalism, integrity and strong leadership behaviours at all times.

2. Commercial Leadership

You are responsible for contributing to the club’s commercial success through your department’s performance.

Key accountabilities include

• Drive revenue, retention and key commercial KPIs relevant to your function.
• Translate budgets and targets into clear team priorities and actions.
• Use data and insights to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Ensure your team understands how their role impacts financial performance.
• Plan and manage rosters, productivity and labour spend to achieve budget outcomes.
• Use data to forecast staffing requirements and improve efficiency.
• Support cross-department collaboration to achieve overall club targets.

3. Operational Leadership

You ensure your department operates efficiently, safely and consistently.

Key accountabilities include

• Deliver club systems, processes and brand standards consistently across your department.
• Maintain a safe, compliant and well-run operating environment.
• Act as Manager on Duty and First Aid Officer when required, providing calm leadership during incidents.
• Take responsibility for the secure opening and closing of the club.
• Maintain accurate operational records and workforce documentation.
• Identify performance risks early and take action to prevent disruption.
• Continuously improve how your department operates.
• Keep your department organised, prepared and performing at a high standard.
• Work flexibly across the club’s seven-day trading hours to support members when they’re in the club.

4. Service Leadership

You lead the delivery of a premium, consistent and engaging member experience.

Key accountabilities include

• Champion exceptional service standards across your department.
• Ensure your team delivers warm, welcoming and professional interactions with members.
• Respond effectively to feedback, complaints and service recovery opportunities.
• Role model service behaviours and set the tone for the club experience.
• Partner with other departments to create a seamless member journey.
• Embed a culture of accountability for member satisfaction and experience.

5. Functional Leadership — Facilities

You are accountable for the stewardship of the club’s facilities and safety governance systems, ensuring maintenance, compliance and risk management activities are planned, documented and consistently executed to support safe, reliable operations and positive member experience

Key accountabilities include

• Develop and maintain a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) program covering building assets, gym floor and studio equipment, fixtures, fittings and grounds to ensure safety, reliability and operational continuity.
• Oversee reactive maintenance and repairs within trained/qualified scope, ensuring work is tracked, prioritised and delivered within agreed budgets.
• Manage contractor relationships in line with service agreements, ensuring work is completed safely, compliantly and to required standards.
• Ensure facilities compliance obligations are completed and documented, including required electrical, emergency lighting and equipment testing.
• Act as escalation lead for facility related safety incidents.
• Maintain accurate safety and maintenance records, ensuring compliance documentation is current and accessible.
• Monitor facility safety and performance indicators, escalate risks and drive corrective actions to minimise operational exposure.
• Identify and implement improvements that strengthen asset reliability, safety systems and compliance outcomes.
• Monitor utilities usage and support initiatives that reduce environmental impact and operational waste.
• Partner with club leadership to review member feedback and continuously strengthen facilities and safety service frameworks.

To land this gig… and your ongoing mindset

• You have 3–5+ years’ experience in facilities, maintenance or operational environments and your first aid. You may also have a relevant trade qual (electrical or air con and refrigeration). You can readily required safety and compliance certifications as needed (e.g. WHS, Lifeguard, Working with Children Check, Pool Operator, and high-risk training such as Working at Heights or Confined Spaces).
• You have aligned experience. You have demonstrated experience coordinating maintenance, contractors and compliance in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
• You’re pure heart. You lead with authenticity, care and integrity. You show up with empathy and fairness, and create an environment where people feel safe, supported and inspired to give their best.
• You see the big picture. You understand how your role connects to the wider club and business goals. You think strategically, make informed decisions and help your team understand the purpose behind their work.
• You expect growth. You set high standards for yourself and others. You seek continuous improvement, challenge the status quo and drive performance, capability and results forward.
• You value people. You invest in your team’s development and wellbeing. You recognise contribution, build trust and create a culture of inclusion, collaboration and accountability.
• You take ownership. You step up, follow through and take responsibility for outcomes. You don’t wait for direction — you act with intent and lead from the front.
• You don’t shy away from tough conversations. You communicate clearly and respectfully, even when it’s uncomfortable. You address issues early, give honest feedback and use challenges as opportunities for growth.

What we offer you

• Join one of the world’s most iconic and purpose-led brands, changing people’s lives for the better through wellness.
• Be part of a culture that champions wellbeing, inclusion and growth, where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

About facilities & operations roles for ex-police

Operations, facilities and site management roles. Running a shift, a custody suite or an operational unit is people-and-process management employers can use from day one.