Summary
The First Group Hospitality is a Dubai-headquartered hospitality management company that operates hotels, residences, and restaurants. The Director of Leisure & Recreation will lead leisure facilities and activities, develop guest programs and operating standards, manage departmental budgets and performance, and oversee team development and safety compliance. The role requires a relevant bachelor’s degree, 8–10 years of progressive experience, and 3–5 years in a senior leadership or department-head position. Luxury hospitality experience is preferred, and the position is located in Abu Dhabi.
The posting
As published on tfghospitality.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Overview
About The First Group Hospitality:
The First Group Hospitality is a Dubai-headquartered, full-service hospitality management company specialising in hotel operations, asset management, and F&B strategy. With a team of industry veterans and a proven track record, the company delivers tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, optimise revenue, and maximise asset value for investors and hotel owners. As a trusted third-party hotel management provider, The First Group Hospitality partners with leading global brands to drive operational excellence and long-term profitability, thanks to expertise spanning property performance optimisation, cost management, and guest experience enhancement. Beyond management, The First Group Hospitality develops and operates a dynamic portfolio of upscale hotels, residences, and award-winning restaurants, creating high-value hospitality assets that stand out in the market. For more information, visit tfghospitality.com
Leadership & Operations
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across all leisure and recreation facilities and activities, which may include fitness, swimming pools, sports, recreational activities, kids’ facilities, and other guest leisure experiences.
- Develop and implement departmental strategies, operating procedures, service standards, and annual business plans.
- Ensure all facilities are maintained and operated to the highest standards of luxury hospitality, cleanliness, presentation, and safety.
- Work closely with Engineering, Housekeeping, Spa & Wellness, Food & Beverage, and other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience.
Guest Experience & Programming
- Develop distinctive and engaging leisure and recreation programs aligned with the property’s positioning and guest profile.
- Continuously evaluate guest preferences, industry trends, and competitor offerings to enhance the leisure experience.
- Maintain a strong presence within the operation, engaging with guests and responding effectively to feedback.
- Drive consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and address service opportunities proactively.
Commercial & Financial Performance
- Prepare and manage the departmental budget, forecasts, operating expenses, and capital requirements.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue through memberships, personal training, activities, programs, partnerships, and other leisure offerings where applicable.
- Monitor departmental KPIs, productivity, costs, and financial performance.
- Ensure effective utilization of resources while maintaining luxury service standards.
People Leadership
- Recruit, develop, coach, and motivate a high-performing team of leisure and recreation professionals.
- Establish clear performance expectations and ensure team members receive appropriate training and development.
- Foster a positive, professional, and guest-focused working environment.
- Develop succession plans and identify high-potential talent within the department.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, hygiene, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain appropriate emergency response procedures, risk assessments, and safety protocols across all leisure facilities.
- Ensure team members hold valid and appropriate certifications relevant to their responsibilities.
- Oversee the proper maintenance, inspection, and safe operation of recreational and fitness equipment.
Desired Skill & Expertise
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Recreation Management, Physical Education, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in leisure, recreation, fitness, sports, wellness, or related hospitality operations.
- Minimum 3–5 years in a senior leadership or department-head position, ideally within a luxury hotel, resort, premium leisure destination, or high-end hospitality environment.
- Strong experience managing multiple leisure and recreation facilities, activities, and teams.
- Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost management, revenue generation, and departmental performance management.
- Proven ability to develop innovative recreational programs and luxury guest experiences.
- Strong understanding of health and safety requirements, risk management, and emergency procedures within leisure and recreational environments.
- First Aid, CPR, AED, lifeguarding, fitness, or other relevant professional certifications are highly advantageous.
- Experience in resort or destination properties with extensive leisure facilities is an advantage.
- Previous experience within the UAE or GCC luxury hospitality market is advantageous.