Head Coach

Job Description

Job Description

Summary/Objective  

The Head Coach serves as the fitness leader and culture champion within their assigned studio, responsible for driving coaching excellence, member engagement, and business performance through effective leadership of the fitness team. This role oversees the full coach lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, development, performance management, succession planning, and retention, while fostering a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Head Coach partners closely with Studio Managers and regional leadership to align fitness operations with sales, retention, and overall business objectives. Through consistent observation, feedback, coaching, and development, this role ensures coaches deliver exceptional member experiences, execute the Orangetheory Fitness workout as designed, and embody the brand standards that drive member satisfaction and long-term loyalty. Utilizing strong business acumen, analytical thinking, and data-driven decision-making, the Head Coach monitors key performance indicators, identifies opportunities for operational and team improvement, and implements strategies that enhance coach effectiveness, member retention, studio utilization, and revenue growth. This role is accountable for maintaining fitness excellence, executing company initiatives, and ensuring consistent delivery of the Orangetheory Fitness experience across all classes and member touchpoints. As the primary fitness subject matter expert within the studio, the Head Coach leads by example, develops future coaching talent, and creates an environment where both team members and members can thrive. This position reports directly to the Regional Head Coach or Regional Fitness & Retention Manager.

Essential Functions   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Team Member Experience 

• Lead a minimum of 15 Orangetheory Fitness classes per week while delivering an exceptional member experience and modeling Orangetheory coaching standards.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to the coaching team to ensure consistent execution of fitness standards, member experience expectations, and company initiatives.
• Conduct regular class observations and coaching conversations to provide feedback, support development, and reinforce accountability.
• Assist with coach recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and retention efforts.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that promotes engagement, collaboration, recognition, and professional growth.
• Establish clear expectations and support coach performance through ongoing communication, coaching, and development.
• Partner with Studio Managers and regional leadership to support studio goals, member retention, and operational success.
• Champion a member-first mindset by modeling exceptional customer service and ensuring consistent delivery of the Orangetheory Fitness experience.
• Support the implementation of new programs, initiatives, and operational changes within the studio.
• Demonstrate Austin Fitness Group’s (AFG) leadership principles while maintaining compliance with Orangetheory Fitness standards, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of and commitment to exceptional customer service and the core values at AFG.

Financial Performance

• Support studio performance goals by delivering exceptional member experiences that drive member engagement, retention, and class utilization.
• Monitor fitness-related performance metrics and partner with Studio Managers to identify opportunities for improvement in coach performance, member participation, and overall studio success.

• Support membership growth and retention efforts through member relationship building, referrals, community outreach, and participation in studio events and promotions.
• Encourage accountability for individual and team performance by supporting coaching staff in achieving member engagement, retention, and studio goals.
• Collaborate with Studio Managers and regional leadership to support company initiatives, promotional campaigns, and operational priorities that contribute to studio performance.
• Promote efficient scheduling and utilization of coaching resources to support member demand and operational needs.
• Contribute ideas and best practices that enhance the member experience, improve operational consistency, and support overall studio success.

  Member Experience 

• Champion a best-in-class member experience that drives satisfaction, engagement, retention, and loyalty while upholding Orangetheory Fitness brand standards.
• Lead, develop, and hold coaches accountable for delivering exceptional customer service and a consistent Orangetheory workout experience.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused studio environment that encourages member engagement, connection, and long-term success.
• Monitor member feedback and partner with Studio Managers to identify opportunities to enhance the member experience and address areas of concern.
• Support member retention initiatives through relationship building, member recognition, and consistent delivery of high-quality coaching and service.
• Address member concerns and escalated issues promptly and professionally, collaborating with studio leadership to achieve positive resolutions.
• Partner with Studio Managers and studio teams to support member events, challenges, promotions, and engagement initiatives that strengthen member relationships and studio culture.

  Studio Operations 

• Support day-to-day studio operations by ensuring consistent execution of Orangetheory Fitness standards, company policies, and operational procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized fitness environment by monitoring studio presentation, equipment condition, and workout space readiness.
• Assist in identifying and reporting facility, equipment, and operational issues to ensure timely resolution and minimal disruption to members and staff.
• Monitor fitness-related performance metrics and partner with Studio Managers to identify opportunities to improve coaching consistency, class effectiveness, and overall studio performance.
• Support operational compliance through adherence to company policies, safety standards, and Orangetheory Fitness requirements.
• Utilize reporting tools, meetings, and communication platforms to stay informed, communicate priorities, and support operational consistency.
• Support the implementation of new fitness initiatives, operational processes, technology updates, and company programs.
• Partner with Studio Managers and regional leadership to maintain operational excellence and deliver a consistent member experience.

Core Competencies 

• Leadership & Coaching – Ability to motivate, develop, and hold team members accountable while fostering a positive and high-performing team environment.
• Communication – Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to provide clear direction, feedback, and support.

• Member Focus – Demonstrates a commitment to delivering exceptional service and creating positive experiences that build member satisfaction and loyalty.
• Relationship Building – Builds and maintains effective working relationships with team members, members, and cross-functional partners.
• Emotional Intelligence – Demonstrates self-awareness, empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment when interacting with others and navigating challenging situations.
• Adaptability – Responds positively to change, manages competing priorities, and remains effective in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem Solving – Identifies issues, evaluates options, and implements practical solutions to support team and business objectives.
• Integrity & Professionalism – Demonstrates honesty, accountability, confidentiality, and ethical behavior while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Collaboration – Works effectively across teams and functions to support studio goals and create a consistent member experience.
• Results Orientation – Takes initiative, follows through on commitments, and focuses on achieving individual, team, and studio goals.
• Resilience & Composure – Maintains a positive attitude and professional demeanor while managing stress, conflict, and unexpected challenges.

Supervisory Responsibility This position directly supervises and develops Coaches.

Work Environment This role is primarily based in a fitness studio environment and involves frequent interaction with members, guests, and team members. Responsibilities are performed both at the front desk and throughout the studio floor, requiring extended periods of standing, walking, and engaging with others in a dynamic, high-energy setting. The environment may include moderate to loud noise levels due to music and group fitness classes. The role also includes administrative tasks such as working on a computer, using phones (communication with internal and external customers), and other standard office equipment. Occasional participation in offsite events or community activities may be required.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. This position requires frequent standing, walking, and moving throughout the studio, as well as regular interaction with members and team members. The employee is regularly required to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing in a potentially loud environment. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The role may occasionally require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items such as retail products or supplies (up to approximately 25–30 pounds), as well as bending, reaching, and light cleaning tasks to maintain the studio environment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work As a full-time position, business hours are Monday through Friday. Longer hours, evenings, and weekend work as necessary.

Travel No travel is anticipated unless deemed necessary for trainings or other Company needs.

Education/Requirements:  

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Management, or a related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred, ideally in fitness, hospitality, retail, or a multi-unit environment.
• 1+ year of group fitness coaching and/or personal training experience required (or equivalent combination of experience and certification).
• Current Orangetheory Fitness-approved fitness certification required (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA, or equivalent).
• Current CPR/AED certification required.

AAP/EEO/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement AFG is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and a true sense of belonging. We believe that bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and drives better outcomes for our employees, members, and communities. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. AFG is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We comply with all laws and regulations enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other governing bodies in the locations where we operate. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

AFG is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment that enables an individual to perform the essential functions of the job without imposing undue hardship on the Company.

Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time without notice.