Executive Director

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Executive Director to join the team at Royal Windsor Racecourse. 

About us…

Arena Racing Company does so much more than lead the UK’s largest horse racing group. We have 21 racing venues showcasing horse racing, greyhound racing, golf courses, hotels and events. In short, leisure, entertainment, media production and global distribution are at the heart of what we do, making it an exciting and diverse place to work! 

Our success is a team effort which is why we offer great opportunities for growth, development and career progression. After all, it’s our employees that enable us to offer first class service and create an electric atmosphere, all within an industry we love.

What is ARC?

We embrace diversity

We develop our people

We care for our visitors

We think about our impact

We are proud of our sport

Work Perks of being an Executive Director...

• Annual passes to attend any of our 21 venues
• Discounted food & ARC days out
• Cycle to work scheme
• Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 28 days
• Company life assurance scheme
• Discretionary group annual bonus schemes to reward your hard work
• Support with study through our study assistance schemes

And so much more…

About the role:

The Executive Director is responsible for all commercial and operational aspects of the venue including, but not limited to, Racing and Events.

Within available resources, deliver the best possible horse racing venue and program of racing, to customers and horsemen, whilst utilising the facilities for non-racing activities, ensuring profits are maximised; managing the profitability of the business in terms of income, payroll and expenditure controls. The Executive Director will also foster a culture that focuses on the customer experience and service excellence throughout all aspects of the business.

Furthermore, in conjunction with Regional Directors and HR team, the Executive Director will be responsible for strategic business planning, operational planning and execution, people development and team morale.

Responsibilities

• To agree and deliver the annual financial plan, monitor performance and react to variances, within the company’s agreed reporting periods – monthly, quarterly and annually.
• In conjunction with both the relevant Regional Directors and the Head of Group Sales & Marketing; monitor and maximise all sales opportunities from your respective regional sales hub 
• To develop a business strategy and implement actions that deliver all aspects of the annual plan, that also accommodates the wider company’s longer-term strategic objectives.
• To build, manage and maintain relationships with all stakeholders including key customers, horsemen, owners, sponsors, bookmakers, media, industry organisations and contractors.
• Implement and maintain all racing industry regulations and adopt best practice.
• To act as an ambassador for your venue and ARC, to portray the Racecourse and ARC in the best possible light at all times & protect its reputation.
• To contribute to the Group on policy and assist in its implementation; including involvement in specific projects and working groups, as required.
• To be at the forefront of delivering innovation within your venue, recommending plans, strategy and investment that sets your racecourse apart from its competitors.
• To employ, or contract, and manage a team to deliver all aspects of the racecourse’s financial and operational plans. 
• To encourage a mindset of agile working within the team to cover business trends and support for colleagues.
• To employ, or contract, a Clerk of the Course and oversee them in managing all aspects of racing as stipulated within the British Horseracing Authority General Instruction (BHAGI)
• To deliver the best possible racing surface and facilities, to ensure horses, jockeys, owners and horsemen receive the best possible care and experience.
• To agree and deliver the annual catering plan, monitor performance and react to variances, within the company’s agreed reporting periods – monthly, quarterly and annually.
• To liaise with the regional catering team and Head of Catering & Events to deliver all financial and operational requirements

Please view the job description attached to this vacancy for the full list of responsibilities for this position…

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity apply today.

At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences.  We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.

We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top-down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.