Dylan Zikhali

Experienced Fitness and Club Management professional with a strong background spanning fitness management, personal training, padel club operations, sales, customer service, team supervision and event delivery. With extensive hands-on experience managing daily club operations, leading teams, supporting member retention and delivering high standards of customer experience, I bring a practical and people-focused approach to management. My experience includes overseeing staff and coaches, managing administrative processes, maintaining operational standards, coordinating events, supporting sales and membership growth, handling customer queries and complaints, and ensuring facilities remain safe, clean and welcoming.

I am also First Aid/CPR certified and experienced in responding to incidents and maintaining safety standards. I am a proactive, energetic and adaptable professional seeking an international Club General Manager, Fitness Manager, Padel Club Manager or Sports Operations opportunity.

GENERAL MANAGER - LIFESTYLE PADEL - Cape Town, South Africa

(2023-11 - 2025-02)

• Managed day-to-day club operations, ensuring a professional, welcoming and efficient environment for members, guests and staff.
• Oversaw and supported the club's coaching team, ensuring coaches and programmes operated effectively and maintained high service standards.
• Supervised padel programmes and activities, contributing to an engaging and well-organised member experience.
• Managed operational administration, member support and day-to-day coordination.
• Maintained appropriate stock levels and monitored padel equipment and operational requirements.
• Maintained high standards of cleanliness, presentation and court readiness.
• Resolved member queries and concerns efficiently while maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Delivered a consistently high standard of customer service and contributed to member satisfaction and retention.
• Applied knowledge of padel equipment and operations to support members, coaches and the wider club.
• Assisted with events and club activities, ensuring smooth execution and a positive participant experience.
• Provided First Aid when required and maintained a strong focus on member and staff safety.

FITNESS MANAGER - IGNITE FITNESS - Cape Town, South Africa

(2022-04 - 2023-09)

• Managed day-to-day fitness operations while maintaining high standards of service, safety, cleanliness and member experience.
• Supervised and supported fitness staff and instructors, ensuring programmes and services were delivered effectively.
• Conducted in-house training and supported team development to maintain consistent service standards.
• Coordinated and hosted fitness events and member activities to increase engagement and strengthen the club community.
• Monitored member class statistics and operational information to support programme management.
• Conducted member inductions and ensured clients received appropriate guidance.
• Managed member queries and supported resolution of customer concerns.
• Maintained the presentation, cleanliness and operational efficiency of the fitness facility.
• Supported sales and membership activities through client engagement, needs analysis and relationship building.
• Provided First Aid when required and maintained a strong awareness of health and safety.
• Participated in weekly club meetings and contributed to operational planning and team communication.

ARENA COACH - IGNITE FITNESS - Cape Town, South Africa

(2021-07 - 2022-03)

• Delivered fitness coaching and supported members in achieving individual health and fitness goals.
• Led group exercise sessions and adapted training for different ability levels.
• Supported day-to-day facility operations and maintained a high standard of member service.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINER - PLANET FITNESS - Cape Town, South Africa

(2016-07 - 2020-08)

• Delivered personalised one-on-one training programmes based on individual client goals, fitness levels and requirements.
• Designed and delivered group exercise sessions for members with varying levels of experience and ability.
• Monitored client performance and provided guidance on safe and effective exercise techniques.
• Applied exercise modification and injury-prevention principles to support safe training.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with members through consistent communication and high-quality service.
• Generated sales opportunities through outreach, corporate events and client engagement.
• Conducted client needs analyses and recommended appropriate fitness solutions.
• Managed a personal sales pipeline and worked towards individual and team sales targets.
• Handled customer interactions professionally, including challenging situations and complaints.

PART-TIME SOCCER REFEREE - Independent - Cape Town, South Africa

(2018-04)

• Enforce rules and fair-play standards consistently and professionally.
• Assess fouls, penalties and match situations objectively.
• Make quick decisions in high-pressure environments while maintaining control of the game.
• Stop or terminate matches where safety or risk factors require intervention.
• Manage timekeeping and maintain accurate match information and reports.
• Communicate effectively with players, officials and other stakeholders.

Gym Instructor - Fitness - Trifocus Fitness Academy (2015 - 2015)

Grade 12 - Walmer Secondary School (2013 - 2013)