Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, guest-centric Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of Rise Padel Club and drive growth across memberships, events, coaching programs, and ancillary revenue streams.
This role combines sports operations, hospitality leadership, and commercial strategy, with a strong focus on exceptional member experience, operational excellence, and community building.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on leadership experience in sports, hospitality, or leisure environments, a passion for padel, and a proven ability to scale operations while delivering memorable guest experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Leadership & Guest Experience
- Oversee daily club operations to ensure a safe, seamless, and premium member experience
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve SOPs across reception, courts, events, pro shop, maintenance, and administration
- Manage booking platforms, POS systems, CRM, membership databases, and analytics tools
- Lead digital initiatives to enhance online booking, communication, and data insights
- Coordinate with the in-house F&B partner for smooth day-to-day operations
- Monitor and improve KPIs including court utilization, sales, member satisfaction, and retention
- Ensure high standards of cleanliness, facility maintenance, and court care
- Manage vendor and supplier relationships, including regular court maintenance
People, Culture & Scheduling
- Recruit, onboard, train, and develop a high-performing, guest-focused team
- Create efficient staff schedules for peak hours, leagues, clinics, and events
- Ensure compliance with UAE labor laws while managing labor costs
- Implement performance management, coaching, and retention strategies
Growth, Sales & Revenue Management
- Design and execute strategies to grow memberships, court bookings, coaching, events, and retail/F&B revenue
- Lead pricing, promotions, membership tiers, and seasonal campaigns
- Analyze market trends, competitors, and member feedback to strengthen positioning
- Collaborate with marketing teams to drive brand awareness and member acquisition
Events, Programming & Community Development
- Plan and execute a diverse calendar of leagues, tournaments, clinics, social events, corporate activations, and family days
- Manage event budgets, logistics, registrations, and on-site execution
- Build partnerships with sponsors, schools, universities, corporates, and local businesses
- Foster a strong padel community across all skill levels, including youth and grassroots initiatives
- Implement referral, loyalty, and ambassador programs to boost engagement
Vendor, Inventory & Administration
- Manage supplier relationships, contracts, and procurement
- Oversee inventory for pro shop, F&B, and maintenance supplies
- Supervise administrative processes, IT systems, CRM platforms (e.g., Matchpoint, Playtomic), and reporting
Brand Representation & Partnerships
- Act as a brand ambassador for Rise Padel Club in the Dubai padel ecosystem
- Build strong relationships with coaches, academies, clubs, associations, and corporate partners
- Represent the club at events, tournaments, and media engagements
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of operations management experience in sports, hospitality, fitness, or leisure facilities
- Strong leadership experience in staff management, scheduling, budgeting, and vendor control
- Proven ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency with POS, CRM, booking platforms, and MS Office / Google Workspace
- Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and event schedules
- Solid understanding of basic financials, budgeting, and revenue growth
- Fluent in English (Arabic or additional languages are a plus)
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Hospitality, or Event Management
- Experience managing tournaments, leagues, or large-scale events in the UAE/GCC
- Knowledge of padel development, coaching pathways, and equipment in the Middle East
- Familiarity with Dubai hospitality and service excellence standards
Key Competencies
- Leadership & team development
- Strategic planning & commercial mindset
- Guest-centric service excellence
- Financial accountability
- Project & event management
- Strong communication & relationship building
- Data-driven decision making
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary aligned with Dubai market standards
- Performance-based incentives & bonuses
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Residence visa provided
- Annual leave & public holidays
- Staff perks including free/discounted court access and merchandise
Work Environment
- On-site role at Rise Padel Club, Al Quoz
- Fast-paced, dynamic environment with high member interaction
- Occasional travel within Dubai for partnerships and events
