Job Introduction
HEAD FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Location: Various Neilson Beach Clubs overseas
Season: April – November
Qualifications Required: Level 2 Fitness Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer and at least one recognised specialist fitness qualification (see details below)
Eligibility: UK & EU passport holders
Salary: £850–£1,000 PCM gross, depending on resort, plus accommodation, meals, flights, and an excellent overall package.
As a UK-based business operating overseas, we’re able to arrange the required visas and work permits for UK and EU passport holders to work legally in our resorts.
As one of our management positions, priority will be given to candidates who are available for the full season.
In a Nutshell
- Lead the Fitness Team and programme at one of our incredible Beach Clubs.
- Combine hands-on coaching with team leadership, development, scheduling and programme planning.
- Use your experience and specialist qualifications to create an inclusive, varied fitness programme for our guests.
- Spend your summer developing others, inspiring guests and taking the next step in your own fitness career.
About Us
For almost 50 years, Neilson has been creating unforgettable active holidays in some incredible Beach Club destinations.
From sailing and watersports to tennis, fitness, biking and much more, our guests are at the centre of everything we do.
We’re looking for enthusiastic, adaptable people with great personalities, a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for creating brilliant holiday experiences.
For our Head of Department roles, we’re also looking for people who enjoy helping others develop. You’ll set standards, support your team and lead from the front while still being very much part of the day-to-day operation.
About You
You’re an experienced fitness professional who loves coaching people but gets just as much satisfaction from helping other instructors become brilliant at what they do.
You’re a confident, approachable leader who can motivate a team, organise a busy programme and maintain high standards without losing the energy and personality that make a great fitness experience.
You’ll bring strong group fitness experience, recognised fitness qualifications and experience leading, mentoring or developing others.
You know how to get the best from different personalities and levels of experience, giving people support and feedback while encouraging them to build confidence and take responsibility for their own development.
You’re organised, calm under pressure and comfortable taking responsibility, but you’re still happiest getting stuck in and leading from the front.
Role Overview
As Head Fitness Instructor, you’ll take day-to-day ownership of the Fitness Programme within one of our Beach Clubs.
It’s a hands-on leadership role. You’ll lead and develop your Fitness Team, plan the programme, manage schedules, maintain equipment and standards, and make sure guests have access to a fantastic variety of safe, engaging fitness experiences throughout their holiday.
You’ll still spend plenty of time doing what you love, regularly delivering group classes and personal training sessions yourself.
Depending on the skills and qualifications within your team, the programme could include HIIT, circuits, aqua aerobics, indoor cycling, yoga, Pilates, strength sessions, Zumba, guided runs and much more.
Working closely with the Activity Manager, you’ll make sure the programme runs smoothly while creating an environment where your team can develop, guests feel welcome and fitness remains a brilliant part of the Neilson holiday.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead, motivate, support and develop the resort Fitness Team.
- Take day-to-day ownership of the Neilson Fitness Programme and maintain consistently high coaching and guest-service standards.
- Plan and manage fitness schedules, making the best use of your team’s qualifications, skills and experience.
- Deliver fun, safe and engaging group fitness classes and personal training sessions.
- Support instructors with session planning, coaching techniques and adapting activities for different guest abilities.
- Provide regular feedback, mentoring and practical development opportunities for your team.
- Support the training and development of new and peak-season Fitness Instructors.
- Help less-experienced instructors build confidence and develop their coaching skills throughout the season.
- Promote the Fitness Programme and encourage guests to get involved.
- Work closely with the Activity Manager to continually develop and improve the guest fitness experience.
- Oversee the safe use, maintenance, security and presentation of fitness equipment and training areas.
- Monitor equipment and stock levels, identifying maintenance, replacement and ordering requirements.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety across all fitness activities.
- Follow all company operating procedures and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Support guest briefings, social events, airport transfers and wider resort operations when required.
- Work collaboratively with the wider resort team and lead by example in creating a positive, supportive working environment.
Skills & Experience
You’ll be great at this if you…
- Hold recognised Level 2 Fitness Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications, or recognised equivalents.
- Hold at least one additional recognised specialist fitness qualification.
- Have strong experience delivering group fitness sessions.
- Have experience leading, mentoring, training or developing other fitness professionals.
- Can plan and manage a varied fitness programme and team schedule.
- Have a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, exercise programming and current fitness practices.
- Can confidently adapt sessions for different ages, abilities and fitness levels.
- Understand the safe use and management of fitness equipment.
- Are an excellent communicator who can inspire and motivate both guests and your team.
- Can provide constructive feedback and help less-experienced instructors develop their confidence and skills.
- Are highly organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
- Stay calm under pressure and enjoy finding practical solutions.
- Have a strong work ethic and enjoy being hands-on and leading from the front.
- Are adaptable, supportive and willing to get stuck into wider resort life.
- Have a good standard of spoken English.
It’d be a bonus if you also have…
- Additional fitness-related qualifications – see guidance below.
- Experience managing a fitness programme, gym, studio or similar operation.
- Previous overseas, resort, hospitality or seasonal work experience.
- Additional European language skills.
Qualifications
As a minimum, everyone joining Neilson as a Head Fitness Instructor must hold:
- Level 2 Fitness Instructor, or recognised equivalent.
- Level 3 Personal Trainer, or recognised equivalent.
- At least one additional recognised specialist fitness qualification.
Recognised specialist qualifications include:
- Aqua Aerobics.
- Body Pump™.
- Exercise to Music.
- Hyrox Level 1 Performance Coach.
- Level 2 Indoor Cycling.
- Pilates Instructor.
- Sound Bath Practitioner.
- Strength & Conditioning Coach.
- Yoga Instructor (RYT 200hr+).
- Zumba Instructor.
You’ll also need strong group fitness experience and previous experience leading, mentoring, training or developing other fitness professionals.
We welcome applications from candidates holding recognised UK and international fitness qualifications and equivalent certifications.
You do not need to have completed every required qualification before submitting your application.
If you’re currently working towards, booked onto or planning to complete one of the required qualifications before your start date, please go ahead and apply and provide details of the qualification and your expected completion date within your application.
For full details covering Neilson qualification requirements and recognised equivalents, please click here: List of Accepted Qualifications
First Aid Requirements
A First Aid certificate is mandatory for the Head Fitness Instructor role.
At a minimum, this must be a one-day, in-person Emergency First Aid at Work course.
Your certificate must be in place by your start date and remain valid for the duration of your contract.
If you haven’t yet completed your First Aid qualification but are booked onto or planning to complete the required course before your start date, you can still apply – just provide the details and expected completion date within your application.
ONLINE-ONLY FIRST AID COURSES ARE NOT ACCEPTED
For further information about Neilson’s First Aid requirements, please click here: First Aid Guidance
Commission
Alongside your monthly salary, you’ll have the opportunity to earn end-of-contract commission based on Personal Training sessions.
What’s in it for you?
Joining Neilson is more than just a summer job. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, develop new skills, build confidence, experience incredible destinations, and become part of a close-knit team creating unforgettable holidays every day.
The experience, resilience, and people skills you’ll develop along the way will stay with you long after the season ends – wherever life takes you next.
Alongside the experience, you’ll get:
- A paid seasonal role in an incredible overseas destination.
- Your own room within staff accommodation, which may be within a shared apartment or staff block.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner while on duty, so your meals are taken care of.
- Travel to and from resort, subject to staff travel policy.
- Use of selected resort facilities in your spare time, so you can enjoy the destination too.
- Friends and family holiday discounts, giving the people at home the chance to experience Neilson for themselves.
- Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you settle in, develop your skills and make the most of your season.
- Opportunities to gain additional qualifications through the Neilson Academy.
- Career development opportunities through our Jump Up and Jump Higher programmes.
- Visa and work permit support where applicable.
- Role-specific uniform provided.
- One day off each week, plus accrued holiday.
- Emergency medical and dental insurance.
- 24/7 independent mental health support.
It’s a season that gives you more than a payslip – you’ll come home with new skills, new friends, incredible memories and an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left resort.
Please note: All Neilson Active employees are required to complete a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment process.
