Position: Gym Manager
Hours: Full-Time, Salaried
Pay Range: $57,000–$62,000/year DOE
Benefits Eligible: Yes (Health, Retirement, PTO, Membership)
Positions available at our Northeast Portland, OR location
General Description
Established in 1987, Portland Rock Gym’s mission is to teach and train well-rounded, life-long rock climbers indoors and out at the crags, while celebrating and preserving our local cliffs and boulders through community involvement. We strive to meet this goal by fostering an inclusive and diverse community of kind and supportive climbers, providing excellent customer service, professional instruction, and maintaining exceptional facilities.
The Gym Manager is responsible for the overall success of a Portland Rock Gym location, overseeing daily operations, staff performance, customer experience, and facility standards. This role requires strong leadership, operational awareness, and a commitment to building a positive and inclusive community.
The Gym Manager reports to the Director of Gym Management and works closely with senior leadership to ensure consistency, efficiency, and alignment across all locations.
What Makes a Great Gym Manager at Portland Rock Gym?
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
- Ability to manage multiple departments and priorities effectively
- Commitment to excellent customer service and community engagement
- Clear, professional communication across all levels of the organization
- High level of accountability, organization, and follow-through
- Passion for climbing, fitness, and community spaces
General Duties / Responsibilities
General Operations & Leadership
- Oversee daily operations across all departments including front desk, retail, instruction, janitorial, and maintenance
- Maintain high standards of customer service, safety, and operational efficiency
- Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
- Partner with senior leadership to meet business goals and key performance indicators
Front Desk Oversight
- Develop and maintain a knowledgeable, welcoming front desk team
- Ensure accurate, professional communication with customers in person, by phone, and via email
- Monitor and drive membership and sales performance
- Support staff in delivering exceptional guest experiences
Retail Oversight
- Partner with leadership to manage inventory and merchandising
- Ensure accurate receiving and processing of shipments
- Maintain organized, visually appealing retail spaces
- Communicate customer trends and product needs to leadership
Climbing Instruction & Wall Operations
- Ensure all climbing classes meet established curriculum and safety standards
- Support the development and performance of instructors
- Oversee wall monitoring practices and incident reporting
- Manage scheduling and coordination of group bookings and programs
Facilities & Janitorial Oversight
- Ensure the facility remains clean, safe, and well-maintained at all times
- Support janitorial staff or vendors in maintaining cleanliness and supply levels
- Identify and communicate maintenance needs to the facilities team
- Maintain a welcoming and professional physical environment
Personnel Management
- Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate staff
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels and oversee time and attendance tracking
- Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
- Address performance concerns and ensure compliance with HR policies
- Organize quarterly staff meetings, monthly climb nights, and staff events
- Send a monthly staff newsletter to ensure alignment and communication
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture
Community, Marketing & Events
- Collaborate with marketing and regional teams to execute events and promotions
- Serve as the on-site lead for community events and activations
- Build relationships within the local climbing and fitness community
- Ensure programming and events align with PRG’s mission and values
Minimum Requirements
- Availability to work evenings and weekends
- High school diploma or GED required (some college preferred)
- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience, including at least 1 year in a management role
- Experience in a customer service–focused industry (fitness, retail, hospitality, or recreation)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to lead teams and manage performance
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- Ability to manage deadlines and operational priorities effectively
- Climbing Wall Instructor Provider Certification, or ability to attain certification
- First Aid & CPR certification, or ability to attain certification
- Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, and special events
Things We Love to See
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- 3+ years of management experience in a climbing gym or fitness facility
- Familiarity with Rock Gym Pro (RGP) or similar systems
- Passion for climbing and community-building
