The Assistant General Manager (AGM) role at Virgin Active UK is pivotal in ensuring the seamless day-to-day running of a high-performing fitness club. As the right hand to the General Manager, the AGM leads operations, motivates teams, drives membership sales, ensures safety compliance, and delivers a world-class member experience. It’s a dynamic position that blends leadership, strategic thinking, and customer service excellence.
AGMs are typically responsible for managing teams across front-of-house, fitness, sales, and operations departments. They also handle reporting, financial targets, staff training, and support the development of club initiatives.
In the UK, the average salary for a Virgin Active Assistant General Manager ranges from £26,000 to £33,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and performance bonuses. This role also offers career progression towards General Manager and regional leadership positions.
To help you land the role, we’ve put together 20 of the most likely Virgin Active Assistant General Manager interview questions, complete with expert model answers and explanations.
1. Tell us about yourself and your background in fitness or management.
Answer:
I come from a background in hospitality and team management, with five years leading customer-facing teams. My passion for fitness led me to transition into gym management, where I’ve overseen daily operations, coached staff, and boosted member engagement by 25% over a year.
2. Why do you want to work for Virgin Active?
Answer:
Virgin Active stands out for its innovation and commitment to member experience. I admire its values of wellness, community, and continuous improvement, and I’m excited about contributing to that vision in a leadership role.
3. What do you know about the Virgin Active brand?
Answer:
Virgin Active is known for its premium fitness facilities, exceptional service, and community focus. It operates globally, blending state-of-the-art equipment with inclusive wellness programs, which aligns with my own ethos in health and leadership.
4. How do you handle team conflict or underperformance?
Answer:
I address issues promptly through private, supportive conversations. I focus on understanding the root cause, setting clear performance goals, and providing coaching or training. Regular follow-ups ensure accountability and improvement.
5. How do you motivate your team to achieve KPIs?
Answer:
I believe in setting clear, measurable targets, recognizing achievements, and offering both individual and team incentives. I foster a positive environment through open communication, personal development plans, and celebrating wins.
6. How would you increase membership sales at your club?
Answer:
I’d review sales funnels, lead conversion data, and member feedback. Initiatives could include referral incentives, targeted promotions, and community outreach. Training the team on effective consultations would also be key.
7. Describe a time when you improved customer experience.
Answer:
At my previous gym, I introduced a “member of the month” program that increased engagement and retention. We also revamped our onboarding process based on feedback, which led to a 15% improvement in new member satisfaction scores.
8. How do you manage operational challenges on busy days?
Answer:
I prepare by scheduling strategically, assigning clear roles, and having contingency plans. Real-time communication through radios and regular check-ins help the team stay agile and responsive.
9. How do you prioritize your workload in a fast-paced environment?
Answer:
I start each day by reviewing key metrics and urgent issues, then block time for team management, member interaction, and strategic planning. I delegate effectively and adjust priorities based on club needs.
10. What is your management style?
Answer:
My style is supportive yet goal-driven. I lead by example, set clear expectations, and trust my team while being readily available for guidance. I balance accountability with empathy.
11. How do you ensure health and safety compliance in the club?
Answer:
Regular audits, checklists, staff training, and incident reporting systems are my go-to strategies. I also promote a safety-first culture where every team member takes ownership of protocols.
12. Describe a successful team project you led.
Answer:
I led a cross-functional team to roll out a group fitness attendance boost initiative. We created a leaderboard challenge that increased class participation by 40% over eight weeks.
13. How do you stay current with fitness and management trends?
Answer:
I read industry journals, attend webinars, and follow thought leaders. I also learn from peers in the industry and reflect on feedback from both members and staff.
14. How would you handle a dissatisfied member?
Answer:
I’d listen actively, empathize, and resolve the issue quickly. I aim to turn negative experiences into positive ones by offering tailored solutions and following up to ensure satisfaction.
15. What metrics do you use to measure club success?
Answer:
Member retention, NPS scores, revenue targets, staff engagement levels, and operational efficiency are key indicators. I track these regularly and adjust strategies accordingly.
16. How do you support the General Manager in achieving club goals?
Answer:
I act as a trusted partner by aligning with the GM’s vision, translating strategy into action, and ensuring team buy-in. I also manage key operations and take initiative in problem-solving.
17. What makes you the ideal candidate for this role?
Answer:
I bring proven leadership experience, a member-first mindset, and a strong understanding of operations. I’m results-oriented, passionate about fitness, and thrive in a team-focused culture like Virgin Active’s.
18. Describe your approach to staff training and development.
Answer:
I assess individual strengths, create clear development paths, and use mentoring alongside formal training. Regular feedback and recognition are also core parts of my approach.
19. How would you handle multiple urgent tasks at once?
Answer:
I assess impact and deadlines, prioritize high-risk items, and delegate where possible. I remain calm under pressure and ensure team members are empowered to act.
20. Where do you see yourself in 3–5 years?
Answer:
I aim to grow into a General Manager role, ideally within Virgin Active. I want to contribute to the brand’s long-term success while expanding my skills in leadership and business strategy.
Final Thoughts: Interview Tips and Coaching Encouragement
Securing an Assistant General Manager role at Virgin Active UK is an exciting step in your fitness career. To succeed:
Research the company: Know its values, recent news, and unique selling points.
Practice confidently: Rehearse your answers aloud, tailor them to your experience, and use the STAR method for examples.
Dress the part: Choose professional activewear or business-casual attire that fits the Virgin Active environment.
Ask smart questions: Prepare questions about team culture, KPIs, or opportunities for progression.
Follow up: Send a brief thank-you email showing enthusiasm and summarizing your key strengths.
You’ve got what it takes—now go in, bring your energy, and show why you’re the perfect fit for the Virgin Active team. Good luck!
