Job Description
About the RCA
The Racecourse Association (RCA), formed in 1907, is the representative body for British racecourses. 58 of Britain's 59 racecourses are members, and have equal voting rights. The RCA's purpose is to serve the interests of its members both inside and outside the sport, empowering them to be the best venues that they can be.
Outside of horseracing, the RCA works alongside the Government, other sports and leisure venues, and national charities to meet the needs of racecourses.
Additionally, the RCA encourages and facilitates racecourse community engagement, involvement in horse welfare initiatives, responsible drinking campaigns, and various other partnerships within the sport. The RCA Showcase & Awards, the marquee event of British Racecourses to celebrate and reward excellence and innovation, is administered and hosted by the Executive Team annually in November.
Since 1998, the RCA has owned RaceTech, the dedicated technical facilities provider that has maintained British Racing at the forefront of global broadcast technology.
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Purpose of the Role
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic leadership for the Racecourse Association, ensuring the protection and growth of member interests, the development of best practice across racecourses, and the promotion and growth of British racing in partnership with industry stakeholders.
The CEO has three overarching objectives:
* Act as a strong advocate for racecourse member interests.
* Drive efficiency, collaboration, and best practice initiatives across the membership.
* Work with the Thoroughbred Group (TG) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to promote and grow the sport.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership
* Provide leadership to the Board, staff, and wider RCA organisation.
* Foster an inclusive culture that attracts, develops, and retains high-quality staff through training, development, and engagement.
* Represent the interests of all members - Jockey Club, Arena Racing Company, large independents, and small independents with fairness and impartiality.
* Support RCA's Racing Director in negotiations with members, the BHA, and the TG on fixture lists and race programmes vital to members' businesses.
2. Strategy and Planning
* Collaborate with the Chair to develop medium-term strategies for Board approval.
* Lead the development of the annual Operating Plans with input from staff at all levels.
* Report progress against Operating Plans for review by the Chair and Board.
* Oversee the preparation of the annual budget, ensuring staff involvement throughout the process.
3. Industry Strategy and Governance
* Work with BHA and TG executives to monitor and support delivery of the industry strategy.
* Maintain active and regular engagement with the BHA Chair, CEO, and committees.
* Represent RCA on the BHA Commercial Committee.
* Ensure effective governance across central industry organisations and accountability to members.
* Oversee HBLB expenditure, ensuring plans are appropriate, transparent, and effective.
* Develop and leverage data-driven insights to support clear, evidence-based decision-making within the RCA and across the sport.
4. Communications and Public Affairs
* Act as RCA's lead spokesperson alongside the Chair, representing the Association in media, government, and public forums.
* Build strong relationships with key industry partners, Government (DCMS, Treasury, APPG), the betting industry, and commercial stakeholders.
* Support the Head of Raceday Experience & Communications in leading RCA member communications, including two annual Forums and the Showcase Awards.
* Represent RCA on the BHA Gambling Strategy Group.
5. RCA Governance and Finance
* Monitor and recommend improvements to RCA governance structures (Board, Memorandum, Articles etc).
* Oversee preparation of RCA's Annual Report, Consolidated Financial Statements, and quarterly management accounts.
* Support the RCA Audit, Remuneration, and Nominations Committees.
* Review staff performance and make recommendations for development and succession planning.
* Oversee RCA's professional advisers (audit, legal, etc.).
6. RaceTech
* Support RaceTech's strategic development, contract negotiations, and financial oversight.
* Monitor Annual Financial statements and monthly management accounts against operational budgets.
* Represent RCA on the RaceTech Board.
7. Great British Racing (GBR)
* Support GBR's Board and CEO in the national promotion of horseracing.
8. Racecourse Services
* Support RCA's Racecourse Services Director in ensuring BHA maintains strong regulatory and integrity frameworks.
* Support the Raceday Experience and Communications Team in the development and sharing of best practice.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
* Proven leadership experience at Board or executive level in a complex stakeholder environment.
* Strong strategic and financial management skills.
* Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation abilities.
* Deep understanding of governance, regulation, and industry partnerships.
* Commitment to fairness, integrity, and the long-term sustainability of the sport. A passion for and knowledge of horse racing will be a significant advantage
Reporting directly to the RCA Chair based in Ascot, this position offers a competitive salary, performance related bonus and a comprehensive executive benefits package.
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the role to
Closing date for applications is Friday, 17
th
October.