Jobid=632351438611160080 (0.0498)
Salary: €80.000 – €100.000
Location: Amsterdam
Languages: Dutch and English
Start: ASAP
I am looking for a hands-onCountry Managerto launch and build my clients business in the Netherlands.
This will be thefirst hire in the marketand the person who willcreate the country from zero: finding and negotiating locations, hiring and training the first instructors, opening the first studios, and owning the P&L for the Netherlands.
This is not a corporate, desk-based role.
We need anoperatorwho is comfortable being the only person in the country for the first months, rolling up their sleeves, and doing whatever it takes to open and run excellent locations.
Experience infitness or wellnessis welcome but not required.
Strong backgrounds inhospitality, retail, or food chain rolloutsare equally relevant.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record ofopening physical locations in the Netherlands, understands theretail lease market in Amsterdam and other major cities, and speaksfluent Dutch and English.
Role Purpose
To establish and grow the brand in the Netherlands by:
Identifying, evaluating, and securing prime locations
Leading all pre-opening and opening activities for the first studios
Building, hiring, and training the initial local team
Owning the country P&L and driving sustainable, profitable growth
Representing the brand locally and ensuring an exceptional guest experience
Key Responsibilities
Market entry and site development
Define the initial market-entry strategy for the Netherlands in alignment with the founder/leadership team.
Research and identify high-potential locations in Amsterdam and other key cities.
Lead all site selection activities, including footfall analysis, catchment evaluation, and competitor mapping.
Negotiate lease terms with landlords, agents, and developers; manage legal and financial advisors as needed.
Oversee fit-out, construction, and project management of new studios in collaboration with contractors and suppliers.
Ensure all locations comply with local regulations, permits, health and safety, and brand standards.
Pre-opening and operations
Act as theinterim studio managerfor the first locations until local managers are hired and trained.
Develop and implement operating procedures, opening checklists, and daily standards.
Set up supply chains, vendor relationships, and local service providers.
Ensure a flawless guest experience from day one, with a focus on service quality, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
Monitor operational KPIs and continuously improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
People and team building
Hire, train, and onboard the first instructors, front-of-house staff, and studio managers.
Build a strong local culture aligned with the brand’s values and service philosophy.
Develop training programmes, shadowing, and certification processes for new hires.
Lead by example on the floor, especially during the first months of operation.
Plan workforce, schedules, and performance management as the team grows.
Commercial and P&L ownership
Own theNetherlands P&L: revenue, labour, occupancy, COGS, marketing, and other costs.
Set and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial targets for the country.
Drive revenue through memberships, class packs, corporate partnerships, and local initiatives.
Work with marketing/brand to adapt global campaigns to the Dutch market and develop local activations.
Analyse performance data and adjust pricing, programming, and operations to maximise profitability.
Brand and stakeholder management
Represent the brand with landlords, partners, local authorities, and the media.
Build relationships with key local stakeholders, including fitness communities, corporates, and influencers.
Ensure the brand’s positioning, tone, and visual identity are consistently applied across all touchpoints.
Provide regular updates to the founder/leadership team on progress, challenges, and opportunities.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have:
A proven track record ofopening and operating physical locations in the Netherlands(fitness, wellness, hospitality, retail, or food chains).
Deep knowledge of theretail and leisure lease market in Amsterdamand other major Dutch cities.
Experience negotiating leases, managing fit-outs, and delivering projects on time and on budget.
Strong operational instincts: comfortable working on the floor, solving problems in real time, and leading by example.
Full P&L responsibility in a previous role, with clear commercial impact.
Experience hiring, training, and leading teams in a customer-facing environment.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Fluency inDutch and English(written and spoken).
A pragmatic, entrepreneurial mindset and the resilience to work independently in a start-up environment.
Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level
Industry
Sports Teams and Clubs
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Functions
Management
Skills
Negotiation
Analytical Skills
Communication
Leisure Industry
Construction
English
Corporate Partnerships
Management
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