Fiona NiGearailt

General Manager - Operations & Strategic Growth
Waterford, IE.

About

Highly accomplished General Manager with over two decades of progressive leadership experience in operations and strategic growth within the health and fitness industry. Proven expertise in spearheading multi-club development, optimizing daily operations, and implementing innovative programs that consistently enhance member experiences and drive substantial organizational growth. Adept at strategic planning, financial management, and leading diverse teams to achieve key business objectives and foster strong community engagement.

Work

WE ARE FITNESS HEALTH & FITNESS CLUBS
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Operation/Development Manager

Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Led comprehensive operations and strategic development for multiple health and fitness clubs, overseeing everything from new club conceptualization and launch to daily operational excellence, team leadership, and driving sustained growth and profitability.

Highlights

Spearheaded the end-to-end development and successful launch of multiple new fitness clubs (Sky 24, Emirates Sail, Sarh Al Emarat, Mamzar 147, Mamzar 95), overseeing design, construction, outfitting, and comprehensive marketing strategies to ensure rapid member acquisition and brand establishment.

Directed all aspects of daily club operations across diverse facilities, ensuring peak performance, compliance with health and safety regulations, and exceptional member experiences while maintaining brand standards and facility integrity.

Recruited, trained, and supervised diverse teams of club managers, fitness trainers, and sales executives, cultivating a high-performance culture focused on service excellence and operational efficiency.

Developed and executed dynamic marketing and sales strategies, including promotional events and social media campaigns, to consistently attract and retain members, significantly increasing membership sales and renewals.

Managed multi-million dollar budgets with meticulous oversight, optimizing financial performance, identifying key cost-saving opportunities, and driving revenue generation to ensure sustained profitability across all clubs.

Designed and implemented innovative fitness programs and classes aligned with industry trends, leveraging member feedback and instructor collaboration to enhance service offerings and significantly boost member engagement and satisfaction.

Ensured stringent compliance with all health and safety regulations, implementing comprehensive policies, procedures, and regular drills to maintain a secure and safe environment for members and staff.

Cultivated strong community partnerships and stakeholder relationships, enhancing the club's positive image and integrating facilities into local events to expand reach and foster loyalty.

WONDERLAND THEME AND WATER PARK
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Operations Manager

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Managed comprehensive daily operations for a large theme and water park, ensuring guest safety, operational efficiency, and an exceptional visitor experience while driving strategic improvements.

Highlights

Directed daily operations for a major theme and water park, including rides, F&B, and retail, enhancing guest experience and minimizing wait times through optimized flow management.

Recruited, trained, and supervised a large team of park staff, including ride operators and lifeguards, fostering a productive work environment and ensuring high service standards.

Implemented and enforced rigorous safety protocols and procedures, ensuring full compliance with local and federal regulations to maintain an impeccable safety record across all park operations.

Proactively addressed and resolved guest complaints, monitoring feedback and implementing improvements to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Oversaw comprehensive maintenance and repair programs for park facilities and equipment, ensuring operational readiness and extending asset lifespan.

Collaborated with marketing to develop and execute promotional strategies and special events, identifying growth opportunities through market trend analysis.

Contributed to long-term strategic planning, identifying and implementing operational improvements and innovations to enhance park efficiency and offerings.

INFOCENTRE AT DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE (DWTC)
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Event Operations Contributor

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Summary

Managed and coordinated a diverse portfolio of high-profile events at the Dubai Trade Centre, ensuring flawless execution from initial planning through to successful completion and post-event analysis.

Highlights

Managed and coordinated a diverse array of high-profile events, including Midcon'95, ensuring flawless execution from initial planning to final completion for diverse clientele.

Engaged directly with clients to understand unique requirements, delivering bespoke event solutions that consistently exceeded expectations and fostered lasting relationships.

Supervised on-site staff and vendors, ensuring smooth operations, strict adherence to event timelines, and precise logistical execution.

Ensured all events complied with stringent safety regulations and industry standards, maintaining a secure and compliant atmosphere for all attendees.

Addressed issues and emergencies with poise, delivering swift and effective solutions to maintain event integrity and client satisfaction.

Managed event budgets meticulously, ensuring financial goals were met and delivering cost-effective, high-quality events within allocated resources.

GREEN PARK HOTEL
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Assistant General Manager

London, Greater London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Supported the General Manager in overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, from front office and F&B to maintenance, ensuring high standards of service, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.

Highlights

Assisted the General Manager in overseeing daily hotel operations, ensuring high standards of service and hospitality across all departments, including front office, F&B, and housekeeping.

Recruited, trained, and supervised hotel staff, fostering a positive work environment and achieving high performance standards through regular evaluations and feedback.

Contributed to budget preparation and management, implementing cost control measures, and ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance.

Maintained a visible presence, interacting regularly with guests to promptly resolve complaints and implement strategies that significantly enhanced guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Collaborated with the sales team to develop and implement marketing strategies, increasing hotel occupancy and revenue by attracting new business and retaining existing clients.

Ensured strict compliance with health, safety, and security regulations, maintaining the hotel's property and facilities in excellent condition and coordinating with local law enforcement for robust security.

Education

L.A.M.D.A - London Academy of Speech and Drama
London, Greater London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Teachers Diploma

Speech and Drama

Sacred Heart of Mary Secondary School
Ireland, Ireland, Ireland

O-levels

General Studies (Mathematics, Art, Irish, English, French, Geography, Social and Scientific Economics)

Courses

Mathematics

Art

Irish

English

French

Geography

Social and Scientific Economics

Awards

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals in Speech and Drama

Awarded By

L.A.M.D.A - London Academy of Speech and Drama

Recognized for exceptional performance and achievement in speech and drama, earning Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals over a three-year period.

Languages

English
French

Certificates

Customer Service Skills

Issued By

Claredon Parker Middle East

Food Hygiene

Issued By

The Institution of Environmental Health Officers (UK)

Health and Safety

Issued By

The Institution of Environmental Health Officers (UK)

Interviewing and Selection Techniques

Issued By

London Direction Associates

Law and Discipline

Issued By

London Direction Associates

Health and Safety

Issued By

UK Elderbourne

Craft Trainer Award

Issued By

London Training Board

Effective Management of Work and People

Issued By

London Hotel & Catering Board

Skills

Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Cross-functional Collaboration, Vendor Management, Community Engagement, Partnership Development, Negotiation, Problem-Solving.

Leadership & Management

Team Leadership, Performance Management, Staff Training & Development, Operational Leadership, Strategic Management, Mentorship.

Operations Management

Facility Management, Process Optimization, Service Delivery, Quality Assurance, Health & Safety Compliance, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management.

Strategic Planning & Development

Business Development, Market Analysis, Growth Strategy, Project Management, New Club Launch, Concept Development, Feasibility Studies.

Financial Management

Budgeting, Financial Reporting, Cost Control, Revenue Generation, Profitability Analysis, P&L Management.

Marketing & Sales

Digital Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Membership Sales, Customer Acquisition, Retention Strategies, Public Relations, Brand Management, Promotional Events.

Customer Experience

Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Service Excellence, Complaint Resolution, Member Engagement, Feedback Analysis.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Performance Metrics, Trend Analysis, Business Intelligence, Strategic Decision Making.