Martial Arts Academy Manager

About This Role

Role Overview

The Kids Martial Arts Academy Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management, growth, and quality control of the children’s martial arts program. This includes overseeing coaching standards, safeguarding, parent engagement, front-of-house operations, and overall academy performance.

The role requires a leader who can deliver a safe, structured, engaging, and high-performance environment for children, while also driving retention, revenue, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Kids’ Program Management

• Oversee all children’s classes (boxing, kickboxing, karate, MMA as applicable)
• Ensure age-appropriate coaching, safety, and structured progression pathways
• Manage class scheduling, capacity, and grouping (by age and skill level)
• Implement and maintain grading systems, curriculum frameworks, and development pathways
• Monitor attendance, progression, and retention rates

2. Safeguarding & Child Welfare

• Ensure strict adherence to child safeguarding policies and procedures
• Maintain a safe, controlled, and inclusive training environment
• Ensure all staff are trained in safeguarding and child interaction standards
• Handle incidents, injuries, or concerns with professionalism and proper documentation

3. Coaching & Instructor Management

• Recruit, onboard, and manage kids’ martial arts instructors
• Conduct regular class observations and performance evaluations
• Ensure sessions are engaging, structured, and aligned with curriculum standards
• Provide ongoing training and development for instructors
• Set KPIs for coaches (attendance, engagement, retention, parent feedback)

4. Parent Experience & Communication

• Build strong relationships with parents through clear and consistent communication
• Manage onboarding of new members and explain program pathways
• Handle feedback, concerns, and escalations professionally
• Provide regular updates on child progress and development

5. Front of House (FOH) & Customer Service

• Oversee FOH team to ensure excellent service and smooth daily operations
• Manage bookings, inquiries, and membership processes
• Ensure efficient check-in/out processes for children and parents
• Maintain a welcoming and professional environment

6. Sales, Retention & Growth

• Drive enrollment and retention within the kids’ academy
• Monitor conversion rates from trials to memberships
• Develop strategies to increase class occupancy and long-term retention
• Collaborate with marketing on campaigns, school partnerships, and community outreach

7. Operations & Facility Management

• Ensure the facility is maintained to high cleanliness and safety standards
• Oversee cleaning schedules and maintenance requirements
• Ensure equipment (mats, pads, etc.) is safe and well-maintained
• Conduct regular operational audits

8. Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and manage all academy staff (coaches, FOH, support staff)
• Create a positive, disciplined, and child-focused culture
• Conduct team meetings, training, and performance reviews
• Manage staff schedules, attendance, and accountability

9. Events & Engagement

• Organize and execute:
• Gradings and belt promotions
• In-house competitions
• Workshops and camps
• Enhance member experience and community engagement

10. Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Monitor and report on:
• Membership growth and retention
• Class attendance and capacity
• Revenue performance
• Customer satisfaction
• Provide regular reports to senior management

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Kids’ membership growth & retention
• Class occupancy rates
• Parent satisfaction and feedback
• Conversion rates (trial → member)
• Instructor performance and engagement
• Operational compliance and safety standards

Candidate ProfileExperience

• 3–5+ years in kids’ sports, martial arts, or academy management
• Proven experience managing teams and delivering structured programs
• Experience working with children in a coaching or educational setting

Skills

• Strong leadership and people management
• Excellent communication with both children and parents
• High attention to safety and safeguarding
• Operational and organizational excellence
• Sales and retention mindset

Preferred

• Background in martial arts or youth coaching
• Safeguarding certification
• Experience in structured curriculum delivery

Personal Attributes

• Energetic, patient, and approachable
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong sense of responsibility and professionalism
• Passionate about youth development
• Ability to create a fun yet disciplined environment

Work Location: In person