General Manager

About This Role

GENERAL MANAGER — Premium Padel Club (Dubai)

We are seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager to take full ownership of our premium padel club's performance, growth, and operations. As the senior leader on-site, you will oversee all departments — operations, commercial, marketing, finance, and human resources — and be accountable for delivering on revenue targets, client satisfaction, and brand standards. You will manage the Club Manager and all department heads, set the strategic direction, and serve as the key link between the operational team and the founders.

What you'll do:

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Define and execute the club's annual business plan, setting clear KPIs across revenue, membership, retention, and profitability
• Identify growth opportunities — new revenue streams, partnerships, sponsorships, corporate deals, and events
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and client behavior to adapt the club's positioning
• Lead expansion strategy including potential new locations, franchise discussions, and brand development
• Prepare and present monthly and quarterly performance reports to the founders with actionable recommendations

Financial Management & P&L Ownership

• Full P&L responsibility — own revenue targets, cost control, and margin optimization
• Develop and manage the annual budget, track variances, and implement corrective actions
• Oversee pricing strategy for court bookings, coaching, memberships, retail, and F&B
• Approve and control all operational expenditures, supplier contracts, and capital investments
• Review and validate monthly financial reports, invoices, payroll, and cash flow management

Operations & Quality Oversight

• Oversee all day-to-day operations through the Club Manager, ensuring consistent premium standards
• Establish and refine SOPs across all departments — front desk, coaching, F&B, maintenance, and housekeeping
• Ensure facility excellence — courts, equipment, amenities, and common areas maintained to the highest standard
• Lead the selection and management of key suppliers and service providers
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations, health & safety standards, and licensing requirements

Team Management & Human Resources

• Recruit, onboard, train, and develop all senior staff including the Club Manager, head coaches, and department leads
• Build a high-performance culture through clear goal-setting, regular performance reviews, and accountability
• Manage staffing levels, shift planning, and workforce optimization across all departments
• Handle disciplinary matters, conflict resolution, and HR administration
• Foster a positive, professional, and results-driven team environment

Sales, Marketing & Client Strategy

• Drive membership sales, corporate partnerships, and event bookings to meet revenue targets
• Oversee the marketing calendar — campaigns, social media strategy, content, and community engagement
• Develop and manage CRM strategy to maximize client retention, lifetime value, and referral rates
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, VIPs, corporate accounts, and community leaders
• Represent the club at external events, industry gatherings, and partnership meetings

Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the club operations and the founders
• Deliver structured weekly updates and monthly performance reviews with data-driven insights
• Flag risks, opportunities, and strategic decisions requiring founder input in a timely manner

What we're looking for:

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years in general management, with at least 2 years at a senior leadership level
• Proven track record managing a full P&L in hospitality, sports, leisure, fitness, or a premium service environment
• Experience managing multi-department teams of 15+ people
• Background in sports club management, hotel operations, or premium F&B is a strong advantage
• Experience in the UAE market and understanding of the local business landscape is preferred

Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking combined with a hands-on, execution-focused approach
• Excellent financial acumen — comfortable reading P&Ls, managing budgets, and driving profitability
• Outstanding leadership and people management skills
• Exceptional client relationship management and business development capabilities
• Data-driven decision making with strong analytical and reporting skills
• Fluent English required; Arabic and/or French is a significant plus
• Proficient with management software, POS systems, CRM tools, and Microsoft Office / Google Suite
• Strong negotiation skills for supplier, partner, and sponsorship agreements

Who you are:

• Natural leader with high emotional intelligence and strong professional presence
• Entrepreneurial mindset — treats the club as if it were your own business
• Passionate about sports, wellness, and delivering premium experiences
• Resilient under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills
• Impeccable integrity, discretion, and professionalism
• Proactive, autonomous, and results-oriented — thrives with ownership and accountability

What we offer:

• A senior leadership role with full operational autonomy at a premium padel club
• Direct reporting line to the founders with real strategic influence on business direction
• A dynamic, fast-growing sports & lifestyle brand with expansion potential
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter detailing your management experience, key achievements, and motivation for this role.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person