Centre Manager – Sports

The role requires significant commercial and leadership experience and competencies to lead the success of a unique and ground breaking sports and entertainment facility, purpose built on a 25,000sqm plot located in the heart of Dubai.This position forms part of the senior management team and reports to project owners whilst also being directly involved in strategic planning and business management. Applicants will need to be comfortable managing a challenging workload, consistently achieving performance targets and working to tight deadlines and should demonstrate a proven ability to remain effective under pressure. Key responsibilities will include team management and development, establishing SOPs, regulatory compliance, budget preparation and the creation and presentation of detailed business analysis and reporting on an ongoing basis.The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate and evidence their experience of managing a similar commercial facility or facilities, in the sports and leisure sector or a related industry in the United Arab Emirates or elsewhere, and be ready to confidently share examples of successes, challenges and learnings from their previous roles and professional background during the recruitment phase.Be the first point of contact for Project Owners and Development Team, both pre- and post-opening.Develop successful partnerships with third party service providers, sponsors, contractors and suppliers, offering input wherever required and ensuring high standards and partnership success are achieved consistently.Purposefully strive to meet or exceed performance-related targets and budgetary goals, to achieve business optimisation and success with increased revenues and controlled expenses.Manage all performance metrics including P&L, revenue, budgeting and facility maintenance, reporting with a focus on business analysis to prepare and present comprehensive reporting formats and recommendations..Offer direction and advice on opportunities for greater efficiency and improving performance of the facility.Create and continually evaluate SOPs in line with best practices globally and ensure they are adhered to by all team members, service providers and contractors..Maintain constant communication with the marketing team to ensure commercial opportunities are maximised.Work with team and consultants to design user experience pathways (customer journey) and sophisticated acquisition and retention models that implement initiatives to enhance standards to meet and exceed customer expectations on an ongoing basis.Ensure that standards for quality, customer service, health and safety are stringent and consistently maintained.Take overall responsibility for attracting, recruiting, developing, retaining and engaging the best talent, personalities and sporting people to collectively deliver business results and smash targets Act as Manager on Duty on a regular basis, as and when required and particularly during the busiest operating periods, taking personal responsibility and accountability for ensuring the smooth operation of the facility and ensuring daily customer success, excellent feedback, positive commercial outcomes and SOP compliance.Work various shifts, wherever possible, to maximise senior leadership across the facility (including holidays)Act as an ambassador for the brand by maintaining the highest level of commitment and integrity at all times.Desired Candidate Profile10+ years of relevant experience, minimum 3-5 years in a management role in sport, fitness or related industry.University degree at Master or Bachelor level, or equivalent professional qualifications and/or experience.Prior experience of the leisure and recreation, sports and/or wellness industry(s), including team and facility management, is considered essential to hitting the ground running and ensuring the Centre's success.Local market UAE experience is preferred and desirable, relevant experience internationally is advantageous.Experience starting, leading or scaling a successful startup and/or new project, including multi-site, is desirable.Extensive sales experience and marketing awareness, ability to motivate and influence with positive outcomes.Effective time management and scheduling skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks, KPIs and projects.Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively present at all organisational levels.Experience in managing a medium to large team (30+), directing effective learning and development plans and successful delegation in a service-focused facility (e.g. F&B, hospitality, leisure, fitness, sports).Experience of financial planning and management, with strategic and business development bias and prowess.Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm with a 'can do' attitude in every situation. We play until the whistle blows Disclaimer: Naukrigulf.com is only a platform to bring jobseekers & employers together. Applicants are advised to research the bonafides of the prospective employer independently. We do NOT endorse any requests for money payments and strictly advice against sharing personal or bank related information. We also recommend you visit Security Advice for more information. If you suspect any fraud or malpractice, email us at abuse@naukrigulf.com Galadari Sports is a division of the iconic Galadari Brothers Group, one of the UAE's most respected and diversified business conglomerates. Rooted in a legacy of trust and innovation, Galadari Sports is driving the group's foray into the world of sports, wellness, and community engagement.At the heart of this vision is All Sports Arena – a flagship multi-sport and entertainment facility located on a 25,000 sqm purpose-built site in central Dubai. Scheduled to open in November 2025, All Sports Arena will be one of the largest and most comprehensive indoor-outdoor sports complexes in the region.Designed to serve athletes, families, fitness enthusiasts, schools, and corporate teams, the facility will offer: World-class infrastructure across football, cricket, athletics, indoor games, and fitness Community programs, leagues, tournaments, and training academies Wellness services, food & beverage zones, and recreational spaces All Sports Arena is being developed in partnership with Duplays, a recognized leader in sports event management and community sports programs in the MENA region. Together, we aim to deliver a sports experience that blends performance, participation, and passion — all under one roof.With a clear vision to make sports more accessible, inclusive, and aspirational, Galadari Sports is building more than just a venue — we're creating a movement.Galadari Sports LLC - All Sports Arena Galadari Sports is a division of the iconic Galadari Brothers Group, one of the UAE's most respected and diversified business conglomerates. Rooted in a legacy of trust and innovation, Galadari Sports is driving the group's foray into the world of sports, wellness, and community engagement.At the heart of this vision is All Sports Arena – a flagship multi-sport and entertainment facility located on a 25,000 sqm purpose-built site in central Dubai. Scheduled to open in November 2025, All Sports Arena will be one of the largest and most comprehensive indoor-outdoor sports complexes in the region.Designed to serve athletes, families, fitness enthusiasts, schools, and corporate teams, the facility will offer: World-class infrastructure across football, cricket, athletics, indoor games, and fitness Community programs, leagues, tournaments, and training academies Wellness services, food & beverage zones, and recreational spaces All Sports Arena is being developed in partnership with Duplays, a recognized leader in sports event management and community sports programs in the MENA region. Together, we aim to deliver a sports experience that blends performance, participation, and passion — all under one roof.With a clear vision to make sports more accessible, inclusive, and aspirational, Galadari Sports is building more than just a venue — we're creating a movement.Read More Sajad Saheer B - Head of People and Culture Dubaihttps: //www.galadaribrothers.com#J-18808-Ljbffr