Chief Executive Officer

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

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic CEO to lead Taunton Racecourse into its next chapter. This hands-on leadership role demands a blend of tradition and innovation, focusing on revenue diversification and exceptional customer experiences. The successful candidate will ensure the racecourse remains a premier venue while expanding its potential for conferences and events. With a strong emphasis on stakeholder relationships and operational excellence, this role offers the chance to shape the future of a financially robust and community-focused racecourse. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering high standards in the sports entertainment industry.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Investment in infrastructure

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership and commercial direction across the business.
• Driving revenue growth from racing, conferencing, and events.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Business Development

Strategic Planning

Venue Management

Stakeholder Management

Operational Efficiency

Financial Sustainability

Customer Experience

Resilience

Job description

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 have a 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

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

An interest in horseracing and an understanding of the industry would be an advantage, but above all, we are looking for a leader with the vision, expertise and commitment to shape the future of Taunton Racecourse. As well as the above, here is an overview of the key skills and experience we are looking for:

• A strong capability in business development and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to oversee budgets & 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.

In return we are offering a competitive remuneration package.
If this role speaks to your experience and ambition, we’d like to hear from you.

Closing date for applications will be 30th May 2025.

About Fitzgerald Hiring

At Fitzgerald, we don’t just build great teams for our own business – we help our clients do the same. Fitzgerald Hiring is dedicated to connecting talented professionals with exciting job opportunities across a variety of industries.

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