Racecourse Manager - Mornington and Sandown

Melbourne Racing Club; Mornington; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Racing Industry Member passes

Free onsite parking

Job summary

A premier racing organization seeks an experienced Racecourse Manager for its Mornington and Sandown Racecourses on a permanent full-time basis. This role involves overseeing day-to-day management, ensuring safe and compliant racing surfaces, and leading a dedicated team. The successful candidate will have qualifications in Turf Management and significant experience in the racing industry. Perks include ongoing development opportunities, well-being initiatives, and access to industry benefits. Apply today to be part of a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working within a racing club or governing body.
• Valid Driver’s Licence is required.
• Experience in racing clubs or governing bodies preferred.
• Valid driver’s licence required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee high-quality racing and training surfaces.
• Manage logistics for race days and training sessions.
• Lead and develop the facilities team.
• Lead and develop track and facilities team across sites.
• Oversee administration of on-site contractors.

Skills

Turf Management

Operational team leadership

Budgeting and resource allocation

Stakeholder management

Education

Formal qualifications in Turf Management, Horticulture, or related field

OH&S Certification or training

Agronomy

OH&S Certification

Job description

Racecourse Manager – Mornington and Sandown

Join to apply for the Racecourse Manager - Mornington and Sandown role at Melbourne Racing Club.

We are seeking an experienced Racecourse Manager for our Mornington and Sandown Racecourses on a permanent full-time basis. In this role, you will oversee the day‑to‑day management, preparation, and presentation of the racecourse, training tracks, and associated grounds and racing infrastructure. You will play a key role in ensuring all surfaces are safe, compliant with Racing Victoria standards, and ready to deliver exceptional racing and training experiences.

You’ll lead a team dedicated to maintaining world‑class facilities, where attention to detail, pride in presentation, and a passion for the racing industry come together to create a first‑class environment for all participants and horses.

What will your responsibilities be?

• Take overall responsibility for delivering high-quality racing and training surfaces and racing facilities, ensuring compliance with Racing Victoria requirements
• Monitor turf health, irrigation, drainage, and soil conditions, implementing maintenance programs to ensure optimal performance.
• Manage racecourse operations, including logistics for race days, training sessions, jump outs, gallops and official trials.
• Lead, support, and develop the track and facilities team, ensuring accountability and consistent performance standards.
• Oversee the effective administration of all on site contractors.
• Work closely with Racing Victoria stewards and racing officials to deliver seamless race day operations.
• Manage the racecourse budget, including staff costs, turf materials, equipment, and contractor services.
• Monitor expenditure, prepare forecasts, and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
• In consultation with the Head of Racecourses, plan and manage seasonal renovations, fertilising, and turf replacement programmes.
• Strong turf and track surface management knowledge.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary operational teams across multiple sites.
• Sound budgeting, planning, and resource allocation skills.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication abilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Formal qualifications in Turf Management, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• OH&S Certification or training (Desirable)
• Experience working within a racing club or governing body.
• Valid Driver’s Licence.

What’s in it for you?

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Access to our year‑round well‑being initiatives including our Employee Assistance Program for staff and family.
• Racing Industry Member passes, discounts across our family of brands and free tickets to a wide range of events.
• Free onsite parking.

Melbourne Racing Club values differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation and encourages all suitable applicants to apply for this role.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Management and Other

Industries

• Spectator Sports and Hospitality