Gym Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Founding Gym Manager – Zoo Ninja Gym

Moseley, VA
Full-Time | Salaried | Performance Bonuses + Profit Sharing Potential

About Zoo Ninja Gym

Zoo Ninja Gym is an all-new open-air ninja and movement training facility located at the Metro Richmond Zoo campus.

Built from the success of our Wild Ninja races and youth obstacle events, Zoo Ninja Gym is launching with an existing community of hundreds of participating families already eager for classes, camps, parties, and competitions.

We are looking for a high-energy, organized, and people-focused Founding Gym Manager to help build this concept from the ground up and lead day-to-day operations as we grow into a premier youth ninja and movement program in the Richmond area.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for the daily operations, culture, programming, and member experience of the gym.

You will work closely with ownership to build systems, develop coaches, create engaging classes, grow membership, and help shape the future of the business.

This is not a desk-only management role. You will lead from the floor, interact with families daily, coach classes when needed, and help create an exciting and safe environment for athletes of all ages.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Safety

• Oversee daily gym operations and facility readiness
• Perform safety inspections and ensure equipment cleanliness
• Manage opening/closing procedures and staff coverage
• Maintain high standards for organization, safety, and customer experience

Programming & Curriculum

• Develop structured class progressions and skill levels
• Create engaging weekly lesson plans and obstacle circuits
• Continuously improve class quality and athlete progression
• Balance fun, movement education, and skill development

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, mentor, and schedule coaches and staff
• Lead team meetings and ongoing staff development
• Support a positive, energetic, and accountable culture
• Assist with onboarding, evaluations, and performance management

Membership Growth & Events

• Help drive membership growth and retention
• Oversee trial class conversion processes
• Coordinate birthday parties, camps, and special events
• Support social media and community outreach efforts

Member Experience

• Build strong relationships with families and athletes
• Resolve customer concerns professionally
• Create an environment that is welcoming, motivating, and fun

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• 2+ years of leadership experience in youth recreation, gymnastics, cheer, ninja, fitness, hospitality, or related fields
• Experience coaching or working with children strongly preferred
• Ninja, parkour, gymnastics, cheer, or obstacle-course experience is a plus

Qualities

• High-energy and outgoing personality
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, active environment
• Self-starter mentality with leadership potential
• Passion for youth development and movement-based learning

Technical Skills

• Comfortable with Google Workspace and learning new software systems
• CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain within 30 days)

Compensation & Benefits

• $45,000 starting base salary
• Monthly and quarterly KPI-based bonuses
• Up to $15,000/year in performance bonuses
• Long-term profit-sharing opportunity
• Free gym membership for employee + one family member
• Leadership and business development mentorship
• Opportunity to help build a growing brand from the ground up

Schedule Expectations

This role typically requires 40–45 hours per week across weekdays and Saturdays. Some evenings and holidays are required. Sundays are not scheduled.

Our operating season runs primarily March through December, with winter months focused more heavily on planning, curriculum development, marketing, and operational preparation.

Why Join Zoo Ninja Gym?

This is a rare opportunity to join at the ground-floor level of a unique concept with strong community interest, an established event base, and significant room for growth.

If you enjoy leadership, movement, coaching, youth development, and building something meaningful, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a short introduction explaining why you would be a great fit for the Founding Gym Manager role at Zoo Ninja Gym.

Company Description

Zoo Ninja is an adventure-based fitness and entertainment company built around movement, confidence, and fun. Born from the success of Run Wild Races at the Metro Richmond Zoo, we create high-energy experiences for kids and families through obstacle course racing, ninja training, camps, parties, and special events.

Our mission is to help kids grow stronger physically and mentally while having an unforgettable time. We value positivity, creativity, leadership, safety, and a team-first culture. We are building something unique — a place where fitness, adventure, and family experiences come together in an exciting zoo environment.

We are looking for energetic, dependable people who love working with kids, creating memorable experiences, and helping grow a fast-moving business from the ground up.

Company Description

Zoo Ninja is an adventure-based fitness and entertainment company built around movement, confidence, and fun. Born from the success of Run Wild Races at the Metro Richmond Zoo, we create high-energy experiences for kids and families through obstacle course racing, ninja training, camps, parties, and special events.\r\n\r\nOur mission is to help kids grow stronger physically and mentally while having an unforgettable time. We value positivity, creativity, leadership, safety, and a team-first culture. We are building something unique — a place where fitness, adventure, and family experiences come together in an exciting zoo environment.\r\n\r\nWe are looking for energetic, dependable people who love working with kids, creating memorable experiences, and helping grow a fast-moving business from the ground up.