Join to apply for the Head of Operations role at The Jockey Club
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Operations to join our Newmarket Racecourses team, leading the planning, organisation, and delivery of all events and racing. You’ll work closely with the leadership team and wider racecourse staff to ensure the highest operational standards, exceptional customer experiences, first‑class health and safety, and outstanding venue presentation at every event. The role also involves partnering with group‑wide operational leaders to share best practice and expertise, ensuring processes and procedures are aligned across the Jockey Club Group.
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 Head of Operations will
* Lead and deliver a cost‑effective, overarching operations strategy that supports The Jockey Club’s vision and strategic goals.
* Provide visible, strategic leadership to embed operational objectives and drive excellence across your team.
* Manage, motivate, and develop the Operations team to deliver exceptional service, results, and customer experiences.
* Oversee all race days, conferences, events, and the maintenance of permanent and temporary facilities, including health & safety compliance.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, suppliers, and emergency services to ensure seamless race day operations.
* Lead the operational management of broadcasters, betting partners, and other third‑party providers to enhance the fan and customer experience.
* Develop and implement Capex, NRM, and sustainability initiatives to improve efficiency, profitability, and environmental performance.
* Chair operational planning and debrief meetings, including traffic, safety, and facilities coordination for race days and events.
* Drive cross‑department collaboration across Operations, Estates, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Catering to maximize team performance and customer satisfaction.
About you
* NEBOSH and IOSH qualified with full, valid driving license.
* Proven experience planning, organising, and delivering large‑scale events.
* Strong leadership, management, and coaching skills with day‑to‑day people management experience.
* Excellent verbal and written communication, stakeholder management, and decision‑making abilities.
* Analytical, methodical, and results‑driven, with a focus on safety, quality, and cost objectives.
* Adaptable, motivated, and able to thrive in fast‑paced or complex environments.
* Experience in compliance, sports, stadia, or multi‑complex settings.
* Tactful, articulate, and skilled in problem‑solving under pressure.
Why Join Us?
At The Jockey Club, we are passionate about delivering incredible experiences, not only to our guests but also to our people. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how we deliver operational excellence within People & Culture—and make a real impact.
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.
* A 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.
* 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 2nd December but 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.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Other
* Industries: Spectator Sports, Hospitality, and Travel Arrangements
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