We’re Hiring: Exercise Specialist

JOIN OUR WORK TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE

We would love for you to join our team if you aree passionate, energetic, and knowledgeable about health and fitness. At Greenway, we are committed to creating new opportunities and to continuously developing our exercise programs for our valued members and participants. We are looking for someone who can help us maintain and elevate our high standards, overall performance, and the health and fitness experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Our Exercise on Referral program is an integral part of what we do. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering and managing personalised physical activity plans for individuals referred by healthcare professionals and GPs. Your support and guidance will help people with chronic conditions or those at risk of poor health to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through safe, structured, and effective exercise interventions.

In addition to leading our work on the Referral Program, you will also take a key role in developing and delivering our Young Gym service. This involves supporting the growth of the programme, engaging with participants, and helping to create a safe, positive, and motivating environment for young people. Therefore, we are especially excited to hear from candidates with strong relevant experience, particularly those who have worked or volunteered with children and/or young adults, and who are confident in building rapport, encouraging participation, and contributing to an inclusive community space.

ABOUT US:

Southmead Development Trust is a Bristol-based charity made up of staff, volunteers, and residents working together to keep power in our community. We work alongside local people and partners to improve health, wellbeing, employment, and local pride — while tackling social isolation and bringing investment into the area.

Guided by residents, our vision is a thriving and healthy community. We provide the support, spaces, and services our community needs through our two well-loved sites: Greenway Centre and Southmead Adventure Playground & Youth Space.  These venues host a wide range of activities, including wellbeing services, youth and play sessions, fitness classes, community groups, and local celebrations.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, just let us know — we will do our best to support you.

ABOUT YOU:

You are a passionate and knowledgeable exercise professional with a strong commitment to supporting people on their health and wellbeing journey. You combine expertise in physical activity, including Exercise on Referral, with a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the community.

You understand that fitness is not one-size-fits-all — you are empathetic, adaptable, and confident working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with long-term health conditions. You are equally comfortable leading a group session as you are developing tailored, one-on-one exercise programmes.

What sets you apart is your people-first approach. You build trust easily, communicate clearly, and bring energy, warmth, and professionalism to every interaction. Whether you are motivating a child or an older person new to exercise, or collaborating with an experienced healthcare professional, you do it with integrity and care.

You are someone who:

• Has a strong sense of community and wants to be part of something bigger than just a job
• Thrives in a team environment but is also self-motivated and proactive
• Brings a positive, can-do attitude, and a solution-focused mindset
• Is committed to inclusive, accessible fitness for all
• Takes pride in delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based exercise interventions
• Has experience with and enjoys working with people of all ages – young people, adults, and older people

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for a passionate and community-minded Exercise Specialist to join our team at our vibrant community centre. In this role, you will be at the heart of our health and wellbeing initiatives, delivering high-quality, personalised exercise programmes — with a strong focus on Exercise on Referral clients and on leading our Young Gym.

You will work closely with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and health conditions, supporting them on their journey to improved physical activity, confidence, and wellbeing. This is a people-focused role, ideal for someone who is engaging, approachable, and thrives in a supportive, community-driven environment.

In addition to leading exercise sessions, your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting show-arounds and welcoming new members
• Carrying out gym inductions and supporting safe use of equipment
• Assisting with the cleanliness and maintenance of exercise machines and fitness spaces
• Supporting the Fitness and Wellbeing Manager with day-to-day operations and community wellbeing projects
• Helping to plan and deliver quarterly events and health initiatives

This is a varied and rewarding role, offering the chance to make a real impact on both individual lives and the wider community.

DETAILS:

Location: Based at Greenway Centre, Bristol, BS10 5PY

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £27,301 – £28,404 per annum (pro-rata) depending on experience

Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week. Must be between 3 pm and 5 pm each weekday for Young Gym supervision.

Holiday & benefits: 33 days annual leave pro rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays), occupational pension, free membership to Greenway Gym and classes.

How to apply: Email your CV and a covering statement explaining how you meet the job requirements to joeldavies@southmead.org

Deadline: 9am Thursday 22nd January. Interviews will take place the w/c 26th January.

Contact: To arrange a chat or visit, contact Joel Davies, tel: 07961 612 661, email: joeldavies@southmead.org. If successful, employment will be subject to a full DBS check.

Go to the Person Specification HERE