Job Description

The

Deputy Fitness Head

plays a leadership role in building a high-quality, mission-driven senior fitness ecosystem. The role oversees the design and implementation of evidence-based fitness programmes, ensures the professional development of Fitness staff and assist the Head Fitness Coach in leading the development of the Tzu Chi-branded Longevity Courtyard as a signature model for healthy ageing. The Deputy Fitness Head also supports research collaborations with Institutes of Higher Learning and contributes to organisation-wide planning and improvement.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Fitness Programme Leadership

Assist Head (Fitness) in the conceptualisation and development of the Tzu Chi Longevity Courtyard Fitness Programme, integrating physical, emotional, social, lifestyle and humanistic values. 2. Ensure programme alignment with Tzu Chi's holistic care philosophy, "Preventive, Personalised, and Community-Integrated." 3. Design and oversee signature exercise frameworks tailored to varying fitness levels of seniors (functional, rehabilitative, preventive, and active ageing tiers). 4. Continuously evaluate programme outcomes to ensure safety, relevance, participation and measurable health improvements.

2. Staff Training & Capability Building

Develop a structured training and competency progression pathway for Fitness staff and instructors. Conduct hands-on coaching, skills assessment, and on-the-job training in exercise prescription, group facilitation, outcome measurement, and motivational support. Establish professional practice standards, guidelines, and SOPs for safe and highquality senior fitness delivery. Mentor high-performing staff and support succession planning initiatives within Fitness teams.

3. Team Leadership & Operations Management

Supervise and support the daily operations of gym/fitness facilities within centres. Lead a team of Senior Fitness Associates, Fitness Associates, and instructors, fostering a positive, collaborative, learning-oriented culture. Oversee resource planning, class scheduling, equipment procurement, and environment risk management. Participate in budget planning, grant proposals, performance measurement and reporting.

4. Research, Evaluation & Partnerships

Support research collaborations with Institutes of Higher Learning, healthcare partners, and community organisations. Facilitate programme-based data collection, ethics compliance, and publication support where relevant. Lead programme evaluation workstreams to track functional outcomes, participation patterns, and preventive health indicators. Present learnings in internal platforms, seminars, and professional conferences where appropriate.

5. Direct Senior Engagement (Where Applicable)

Conduct individual assessments and design personalised exercise plans for seniors where required. Lead specialised group classes, coach safe exercise techniques, and provide motivational support. Guide health education initiatives to build exercise literacy among seniors and caregivers.

Job Requirements:

Diploma or Degree in Sports & Exercise Science, Physiotherapy, Health Science, Gerontology, or related field. Certified Personal Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor (e.g., ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA). Minimum 3-5 years' experience delivering fitness or rehabilitation programmes, with at least 2 years in a supervisory / team leadership role. Strong knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, senior functional fitness, and agerelated conditions. Experience designing or evaluating community-based or therapeutic fitness programmes. Strong communication, coaching, and people leadership capabilities. * CPR and AED certified.