Overview
Growing by 8 to 12% a year, the wellness sector is taking on a prominent place in the French economy. Fitness studios, beauty centres and spas welcome large numbers of health- and comfort-conscious customers every day. Running these small businesses properly calls for a dedicated director.
What is a spa director?
Whatever the activity of the centre or studio they run, the director’s main task is to ensure the business runs smoothly. They have ultimate responsibility for the administrative, financial and strategic side of the organisation.
At the top of the organisation chart, they manage, supervise and advise staff in their day-to-day work. The director also welcomes new recruits and trains them to deliver high-quality work. To fulfil their role as a manager, they must ensure their employees work in a healthy, pleasant environment.
A central figure in the organisation, they are also responsible for maintaining overall customer satisfaction and ensuring good relations between staff and clients. Always thinking ahead, the director of a spa, wellness centre or fitness studio is able to anticipate the changes needed to keep the business thriving.
What does a spa director do?
A director’s activities vary according to the size of the business, its sector and its specialism, but a common core of duties remains. Here are a few tasks that give an overall picture of the role of wellness centre director:
- Logistical support
- Training and welcoming new employees
- Meeting customer expectations
- Overseeing the various departments
- Listening to employees and customers
- Managing the various departments
- Intelligent budget management and allocation
- Organising staff (rotas, assignments and so on)
- Keeping track of developments and changes in the sector
- Monitoring, studying and analysing the organisation’s statistics
- Approving the action plans to be put in place
- Safeguarding the long-term future of the business
In the service of their business, a director keeps no set hours. They may start early in the morning, finish late in the evening and work weekends for the good of the organisation.
What skills & qualities does a spa director need?
To perform well as a spa director, you need a wide range of professional qualities and strong personal skills.
- Intelligence and people skills: above all, this manager needs in-depth knowledge of their field (sport, beauty, wellness and so on). Broad general knowledge helps them anticipate what lies ahead and adjust accordingly. In the same vein, excellent interpersonal skills are essential.
- An astute leader: the director must demonstrate a strong grasp of management. Patience, drive and leadership are three key attributes that make all the difference day to day.
- Composure and generosity of spirit: the ability to handle pressure and an unwavering sense of responsibility are highly valued. On the human side, this true conductor of the orchestra must show a genuine team spirit and be an outstanding listener.
What career prospects and salary can a spa director expect?
As a general rule, a director starting out earns between €2,000 and €2,500 gross per month. Later in their career, with experience and years of service, this rises to at least €3,000 a month (€36,000 a year). Naturally, pay depends on the field of activity, length of service, and the standing and nature of the business.
There are plenty of opportunities for career progression. A spa director can move on to run several spas or a more prestigious organisation. It is equally possible for a director to set up their own business and plan everything themselves (projects, sectors, services, recruitment and teams).
These career moves also apply to the wellness sector, which, for the more adventurous, can take you abroad. As for fitness centres, their managers may choose to run several sites. For example, a spa director could open their own business overseas, combining spa, health, wellness and fitness under one roof.
How do you become a spa director?
A highly responsible role, the position of wellness centre director requires several years of higher education. A wide range of qualifying programmes can take you there.
After gaining the baccalauréat (general or technological), students can go on to a specialist school such as CMH Academy. With RNCP Level 6 and 7 certified qualifications, we offer a broad range of programmes that alternate between study and professional practice, such as:
- The Grande École Programme (5 years)
- The Bachelor’s degree (3 years)
- The Mastère & MBA (2 years)
Students can join straight after the baccalauréat, submitting an application and sitting an entrance exam before formally starting at CMH Academy — a school that advises, encourages and supports its graduates as they enter the world of work.
