Chief Executive Officer

Taunton Racecourse and Conference Centre; Taunton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead its independent horse racing and hospitality business. This role offers the chance to drive long-term success by balancing tradition with innovation. As the CEO, you will oversee operations, enhance customer experiences, and maximize revenue streams from racing and events. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in sports venue management, with a proven track record in strategic development and financial sustainability. Join this committed team and make a significant impact in the community while ensuring the racecourse's reputation for excellence.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Investment in infrastructure

Leadership opportunity in a strong financial position

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in managing sports venues.
• Strong capability in business development and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and commercial direction across the business.
• Drive revenue growth from racing, conferencing, and events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Commercial Direction

Stakeholder Management

Business Development

Operational Excellence

Financial Sustainability

Customer Experience Management

Team Leadership

Job description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: On-site, Taunton Racecourse, TA3 7BL

Contract: Permanent, Full time

The Company: Taunton Racecourse & its subsidiary company Orchard Restaurant operate an independent horse racing & hospitality business with a strong focus on quality & connections locally & within the wider horse racing community. It seeks to recruit a successor for its retiring chief executive in early 2026.

The Opportunity: As CEO, you will be at the forefront of Taunton Racecourse, driving its long-term success by balancing tradition with commercial innovation. This is a hands-on leadership role that goes beyond strategy.

The successful role holder will focus on revenue diversification, ensuring the racecourse remains a premier racing venue whilst maximising its potential as a destination for conferences, weddings, and corporate events. You will work closely with key stakeholders, including sponsors, racing authorities, local businesses, and the wider community, securing sustainable income streams and strengthening the racecourse’s reputation.

A key priority in this role is to ensure all customers, including racegoers and event attendees, are offered outstanding experiences. With a sharp commercial mindset and a passion for delivering excellence, you will optimise operations and ensure the venue’s financial and operational success for years to come.

Key Responsibilities

1. Providing strategic leadership and commercial direction across all areas of the business.
2. Driving revenue growth from racing, conferencing, and events, maximising all income streams.
3. Overseeing race meetings and non-racing events, ensuring exceptional customer experiences.
4. Acting as a visible, hands-on leader, engaging with customers and the wider community.
5. Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, sponsors, and the local community.
6. Working closely with the Board to set and achieve financial and operational goals.
7. Ensuring compliance with industry regulations, health and safety, and best practices.
8. Championing innovation and sustainability to future-proof the racecourse.
9. Leading, developing, and inspiring a small operational team to deliver business objectives.
10. Managing the operational aspects of 14 race meetings per year.
11. Expanding non-race day opportunities, optimising the use of the venue’s facilities.
12. Continuing to deliver high standards to maintain the racecourse’s reputation within the racing industry and beyond.
13. Securing long-term financial stability through strategic investments and partnerships.
14. Managing challenges, including race meeting disruptions, with resilience and efficiency.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

We are seeking an experienced, commercially driven CEO with a strong background in the sports entertainment industry. The ideal candidate will have proven senior leadership experience in managing sports venues and driving business growth. With a proven track record in strategic development, revenue generation, and financial sustainability, you will be adept at maximising profitability whilst maintaining high standards and the racecourse’s reputation within the community.

A hands-on and visible leader, you will be adept at balancing operational excellence with long-term commercial strategy. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, with the ability to engage sponsors, corporate partners, racegoers, and the local community.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• A strong capability in business development and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to oversee budgets and drive profitability.
• Hands-on experience in venue management, ensuring high-quality customer experiences and operational efficiency.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to manage unforeseen challenges, including race meeting cancellations or operational disruptions.
• High emotional intelligence, capable of inspiring and motivating teams while fostering a collaborative culture.

Benefits

Why join us? This is an opportunity to lead a committed independent course which is financially strong & has invested substantially in its infrastructure in recent years.

We offer a competitive remuneration package. If this role aligns with your experience and ambitions, we’d like to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 30th May 2025.