JOB SUMMARYThe Project Manager, Strategic Operations is a dedicated project management role that plans, leads, and delivers high-priority operations projects across clubs, markets, and the enterprise. Reporting through Human Resources and partnering closely with Operations, this role turns business priorities into structured project plans and drives them from concept through implementation, with a strong focus on change management so that new processes, programs, and initiatives are adopted in the clubs and sustained over time. The Project Manager coordinates cross-functional teams, manages scope, timelines, risks, and dependencies, and keeps leaders informed, while functional leaders remain accountable for their departmental deliverables and ongoing operational performance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of high-priority, cross-functional operations projects, from intake and scoping through launch, adoption, and stabilization.
- Build integrated project plans that define scope, milestones, workstreams, owners, dependencies, risks, success measures, and decision points.
- Apply formal project management methods to manage multiple, parallel projects, keeping work on schedule, within budget, and focused on agreed business outcomes.
- Lead change management for every project, assessing the impact on clubs, team members, and members and building the stakeholder, communication, training, and adoption plans needed for change to stick.
- Partner with field leaders, including Regional Vice Presidents, District Managers, General Managers, and Department Heads, to understand operational realities and build field input into project design and rollout.
- Coordinate with Operations, Fitness, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Technology, Legal, Real Estate, and other partners to drive execution while workstream owners stay accountable for their deliverables.
- Run consistent project rhythms, including kickoffs, status meetings, milestone reviews, decision and action logs, risk escalation, and executive updates.
- Identify gaps, dependencies, and operational risks early, recommend solutions, and escalate unresolved decisions or resource conflicts to the executive sponsor.
- Plan and execute operational pilots, including site selection, readiness requirements, success measures, and recommendations for broader rollout.
- Coordinate readiness for initiatives such as new club openings, closures, remodels, acquisitions and integrations, new programs and services, technology implementations, and process or policy changes.
- Establish launch-readiness criteria, confirm communications, training, systems, staffing, policies, and field support are in place before launch, and facilitate go/no-go decisions.
- Produce clear, professional project communications for field teams, corporate partners, and senior leadership, and provide executive-level visibility into status, key decisions, risks, and support needs.
- Track adoption and results after launch, conduct post-project reviews, and confirm a clean handoff to the ongoing business owner.
- Develop repeatable playbooks, tools, and templates that strengthen project and change management practices across the organization.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPSWorks with team members at every level, including club teams, field leadership, corporate partners, and senior leadership. Serves as a central point of contact for assigned projects and knows when to escalate issues to the executive sponsor. This role reports to the Senior Director, Human Resources, and has no direct reports.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Proven ability to manage multiple, parallel projects using formal project planning techniques and tools.
- Demonstrated change management capability, including stakeholder assessment, communication planning, training, and driving adoption.
- Ability to translate broad business objectives into structured, actionable project plans.
- Ability to influence and drive accountability across teams without direct reporting relationships.
- Strong business judgment with the ability to anticipate operational risks and dependencies.
- Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and executive communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to meet concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with all levels of the organization, including club and above-club leadership.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and project management and collaboration tools.
Minimum Educational Level/Certifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Project Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum Work Experience and Qualifications- 3+ years of dedicated project management experience in a fitness, retail, restaurant, or other multi-unit, consumer-facing environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading projects that required significant change management.
Physical Demands/ Environmental Conditions- Primarily office-based; requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use. Periodic work in club environments as needed.
- Frequent use of phone, video conferencing, and collaboration tools.
- Occasionally lift or move items up to 25 lbs, such as signage, training materials, or launch supplies.
Travel Requirement
- Travel required based on project needs, including visits to clubs and markets.
- Overnight travel may be required to support openings, pilots, and launches.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Understanding of club operations, processes, and procedures.
- Experience with club or store openings, remodels, pilots, new program launches, or integrations.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently, be flexible, and handle multiple priorities.
Educational Level/Certifications- Project Management Professional (PMP) or other Project Management Institute (PMI) certification.
- Change management certification or training (e.g., Prosci, ACMP).
Preferred Work Experience and Qualification- 5+ years of project management experience in a complex, multi-unit business environment.
BENEFITS AT 24In line with our mission to create a healthier, happier world, we offer comprehensive benefits to help our team members do just that. We offer benefits such as paid time off, medical and dental coverage, 401k with match for qualifying positions, a free gym membership, and discounts on products and personal training. We also have a variety of Employee Resource Groups that you can connect with to participate in community events both in-person and virtually.
DisclaimerDISCLAIMER: This job description is intended to describe the general job functions and requirements for this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and skills required. 24 Hour Fitness reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.
