Racecourse Operations Manager

Chester Races; Chester; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job description

Chester Race Company are proud to present an exciting opportunity for an individual to join the Operations team as a Racecourse Operations Manager on a permanent contract, based in the heart of Chester. If you are an experienced and dedicated person with a knack for leading guest-facing operations, this is the perfect role for you.

The Racecourse Operations Manager will oversee the smooth running of each race day at Chester and Bangor on Dee Racecourse as well as non-racing events. This position is the perfect fit for someone who can drive high standards and plan meticulously in order to drive growth.

About Chester Race Company:
Chester Race Company Ltd is one of the North West’s best-known and most-admired brands. It is an evolving organisation with a broad portfolio but retaining Horseracing at its core. The Company operates three racecourses, Chester, Bangor-on-Dee and Musselburgh, in Scotland. At Chester, we also own and operate a hotel, a vibrant pub and have other property interests in the city.

General responsibilities include:

• Ensure each race day and major event is planned meticulously and all key stakeholders are well informed on the lead up and day of the event.
• Provide professional and inspirational leadership to the team to support individual development.
• Own the companies Guest Service training to ensure colleagues receive the best foundation to support Guest Experience.
• Work with Marketing to ensure race days are themed correctly to help drive volume.
• Work with Marketing, Sales and the COO to help grow outdoor racecourse events at both Chester and Bangor on Dee.
• Co-ordinate all operational activities, delegating and organising work schedules to ensure resource is appropriately allocated.
• Ensure that throughput is monitored to give our Guests the fastest ingress and egress on a race day.
• Own the guest EDI policy.
• Analyse guest feedback and ensure concerns are dealt with to minimise complaints.
• Ensure site presentation is always up to the highest standard and daily site opening and closing checks are completed.
• Ensure staffing levels are in-line with the agreed budget.
• Ensure all staffing teams are in place, well equipped and are delivering exceptional service to welcome guests.
• Act as the Bronze Commander on major events.

The successful Racecourse Operations Manager will have the following:

• Previous experience in leading a guest-facing operation in sports/events or the visitor attraction industry.
• Previous experience working major events, writing event plans and managing complex budgets.
• Ability to analyse performance of guest feedback and manage crisis incidents.
• Good time management with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• A team player with the ability to mentor other team members effectively.
• A dedicated and hardworking attitude.
• Highly organised.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced employer pension contribution.
• Continuous professional development.
• Private medical cover (Medi-Cash).
• Enhanced maternity and paternity.
• Free onsite parking.
• Free chef-prepared lunch.
• Gym and restaurant discounts.
• Free tickets for selected Race Days across the group.
• Access to a well-being app.

Salary: c. £42,000 per annum

Hours of work:
37.5 hours per week, standard working hours are 09:00-17:00. Evening and weekend work is expected in line with business needs.

This role is based in Chester with occasional travel in the UK and therefore a reliable commute to Chester city centre is essential.
If you feel like this is the perfect fit for you, please apply with your CV attached today! All applications will be collated and assessed upon the closing date by the recruitment team and the hiring manager for the role.