Estates Manager

Job title: Estates Manager

Based at: Epsom Downs Racecourse

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Estates Manager to lead the Epsom Downs Racecourse team in delivering a world-class racing surface and exceptional site presentation for all events. You’ll oversee turf management and raceday infrastructure, driving the efficient staging of racing by motivating a highly skilled grounds team to achieve excellence.

About The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club stages thrilling sporting occasions and live events nationwide including The Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival & The Derby. Owning & operating 15 courses, millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment on racedays and beyond.

As the largest commercial group in British racing, we are guided by our mission to act for the long term good of the sport. Every penny we make goes back into racing to promote excellence within Britain’s second biggest spectator sport. Our people are what makes this possible

At The Jockey Club people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people.

The Estates Manager will

• Lead and develop a high-performing grounds team, dedicated to delivering the best racing surface and infrastructure for smooth race operations.

•Oversee the production, preparation, and maintenance of the racing surface to meet the highest industry standards.

•Oversee the Racecourse Stables, working closely with the Stables Manager and Head of Racing to ensure top-tier operations.

•Ensure the racecourse grounds are always presented impeccably, beyond just the racing surface.

•Deliver cost-effective grounds services, planning and overseeing all related works across the site.

•Develop and monitor weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance programs for efficient grounds management.

•Maintain all course machinery and equipment in safe working order, coordinating repairs and replacements within budget.

•Collaborate with the Head of Racing to implement and monitor irrigation programs and maintain irrigation infrastructure.

•Manage inventory of essential supplies (grass seed, fertilizer, plants, etc.) and oversee related budgets.

•Assist with Training Grounds requirements, supporting operations when possible.

•Identify and organize training and development opportunities for the team alongside the Deputy Estates Manager.

•Maintain accurate records of all track maintenance activities and ensure compliance with health and safety standards through regular risk assessments.

About you

• A positive approach to the workplace comfortable solving problems and contributing to results.

• Experienced in leading and developing a multi-skilled team.

• Passionate about turf management and site presentation with eagerness to learn and develop new and innovative techniques.

• Takes pride in delivering across all areas of estate management and presentation with excellent attention to detail.

• Comfortable working under pressure with ability to make sound decisions.

• Well organised with strong administration skills

• Proven experience of turf management with an NVQ2 or above qualification in Turf Science/Management or similar qualification

What we offer in return

• All colleagues can go along to any of our race day or music events free of charge - along with 3 friends or family with our TeamPass Ticket scheme.

• An award-winning pension scheme provider with a generous employer contribution

• A healthcare cash back plan enabling you to claim money back on health & wellbeing services.

• 25 days annual leave

• Access to a suite of Learning & Development training resources from renowned providers

• A whole host of other benefits including free eyecare vouchers, a ride to work cycle scheme & discounts across varying retailers & services.

If you think you have everything we’re looking for and more, then we’d love to hear from you. Don’t hang around, our closing date for this vacancy is 21st October we reserve the right to bring this forward if we have many applications.

This role may be subject to a criminal record check, standard or enhanced DBS check or BHA Suitability Check. By applying you confirm that you are happy for these checks to be carried out.