Racing Manager

The Racing Manager will report directly to the CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse and will be responsible for leading, managing, and coordinating the track team, and acting as the Racecourse lead on all racing related matters. This role requires effective leadership and collaboration with industry participants to ensure Leopardstown Racecourse continues to deliver high-quality racing and event experiences.Role Purpose:The Racing Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of racing operations at Leopardstown Racecourse. This includes the planning, coordination, and execution of race meetings, ensuring the highest standards of racing integrity, safety, and enjoyment. They will also contribute proactively to the development and delivery of the company’s overall strategic business objectives, financial targets, and operational goals as part of the Senior Executive Team of Leopardstown Racecourse and Golf Centre.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, motivate and develop the racing team, to deliver optimal ground conditions and best-in-class industry facilities.Work with the Track Foreman to continually improve the racing surface and all associated racing facilities embracing progressive and innovative methods for development and improvements.Take responsibility for all participant matters to include the racing surface, track layout, watering programmes, stable management, provision of veterinary and medical facilities, and parade ring and weighroom operation.Work with representatives of the IHRB and HRI to achieve the smooth delivery of race days.Ensure regulatory compliance in line with licencing standards as outlined in the Racecourse Manual.Ensure relevant and appropriate communications are maintained with all relevant stakeholders - managing liaison with Trainers, Jockeys, Owners and Stable staff, as well as being lead point of contact for the media on racing matters.Develop a 10-year capital works programme for the track and stableyard to ensure the facilities are in line with a leading Racecourse.Formulate and control department budgets and expenditure.Plan, implement and manage course and industry facility projects.Deliver excellent standards of turf husbandry and estate management.Work as part of the Horse Racing Ireland Racecourse Division, supporting other tracks as requiredSupport the CEO and team to optimize the race programme, maintaining and enhancing both quality and quantity of runners and the associated financial returns, particularly from the UK, Europe and Internationally.Work with sponsorship team to deliver best-fit partnership opportunities through race planning.Support the CEO in optimising international racing revenues through proactive communication and development of relationships with other racing jurisdictions.Manage the Horticulture team ensuring a planned programme of activity is in place throughout the site to support the plans and goals of the businessManage third party contractors in relation to the areas of responsibility, maintaining strong working relationshipsWork closely with the Health and Safety function ensuring Leopardstown Racecourse is fulfilling its obligations to ensure the safety of all employees, stakeholders, industry personnel, patrons and equinesEnsure regulatory compliance with licensing standards as outlined in the Racecourse ManualFormulate and control all aspects of the section’s annual budgets and related expenditure items, including compliance with procurement guidelinesManagement of racing related capital expenditure programmeAct as the Departmental nominated representative on the strategic issue of welfareAny other duties as requested by your line manager.Skills and Experience RequiredKnowledge of racing industry and key industry personnel in UK and Ireland would be an advantageRelevant operations and event experienceAt least 3-5 years’ experience of managing and leading a teamExcellent interpersonal, communications and organisational skillsAbility to work and liaise within a wider organization with internal and external stakeholdersExperience of managing sites with open access to the general publicAbility to lead a project, from initiation to completion to a satisfactory outcome for all partiesExperience of managing significant budgets, including staff in both Operational and Project environmentsThe ability to work to tight deadlines and manage numerous projects simultaneously.A qualification in project management or event management would be an advantage.Experience of working within a multi-disciplined environment would be advantageous.As racing is a seven-day business, flexibility in relation to working hours is required. You will be required to work some weekends, evenings and public holidays.Closing date for applications: 4th October 2024 Horse Racing Ireland is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality at all levels of the organisation.