Operations Manager

Southwell Racecourse; Southwell CP; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2 Annual Members passes

Hotel Discounts and Complimentary Golf

Annual leave 22–28 days

Pension & Group life assurance

Healthshield – 24hr GP & EAP

Job summary

ARC is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee race day and non-racing events, ensuring safe, efficient operations and high presentation standards. You will also serve as Safety Officer, coordinating with executives to drive site development and health and safety initiatives.

The role requires proven operations management experience, a background in events, and certifications such as IOSH Managing Safely. You will lead teams, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement across venues.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations management, ideally within a racecourse, venue, or large-scale events environment.
• Minimum 1 year in a similar role; racecourses, sport, leisure or hospitality background is an advantage.
• Project Management qualification is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safety management system (LogIT & Expansive FM) and implement emergency procedures.
• Lead as Safety Officer on race days and major events.
• Manage race day staff, safety stewards, and third-party security teams.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and statutory bodies to maintain compliance and efficiency.
• Ensure venue and facilities are well-maintained, secure, and event-ready at all times.
• Develop and manage pedestrian and vehicle access plans for event days.
• Oversee training programs for workplace safety and operational excellence.
• Monitor utilities, control expenditures, and drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Identify and lead capital projects to enhance efficiency, profitability, and customer experience.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

IT skills

Collaboration

Education

IOSH Managing Safely certification

NVQ Level 4 in Spectator Safety

Project Management qualification

Tools

Relevant software proficiency

Job description

Southwell Racecourse offers a unique blend of charm, excitement and comfort, making it one of the premier sporting venues in the East Midlands. With racing on both All-Weather and Turf tracks taking place throughout the year we have a raceday for everyone. We would love you to be part of our success here join us on our journey.

About The Role

The Operations Manager will oversee the smooth and efficient execution of race days and non-racing events, ensuring they are run safely and effectively. They will maintain the site and buildings to a consistently high standard, ensuring proper presentation at all times. Additionally, the Operations Manager will take on Safety Officer duties for most events. Working closely with the Executive Director, they will play a key role in site development initiatives and will lead all aspects of Health and Safety management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the company’s safety management system (LogIT & Expansive FM) and implement emergency procedures.
• Take the lead as Safety Officer on race days and major events.
• Manage race day staff, safety stewards, and third-party security teams.
• Work closely with suppliers, contractors, and statutory bodies to maintain compliance and efficiency.
• Ensure the venue and its facilities are well-maintained, secure, and event-ready at all times.
• Develop and manage pedestrian and vehicle access plans for event days.
• Oversee training programs for workplace compliance and operational excellence.
• Monitor utilities, control expenditures, and drive cost‑saving initiatives.
• Identify and lead capital projects to enhance efficiency, profitability, and customer experience.

The person we are looking for as a Operations Manager has

• Proven experience in operations management, ideally within a racecourse, venue, or large‑scale events environment.
• Minimum 1 year in a similar role, with a background in racecourses, sport, leisure, or hospitality being an advantage.
• Project Management qualification is beneficial.
• IOSH Managing Safely certification.
• NVQ Level 4 in Spectator Safety ideal but not essential. You will be required to complete this qualification as part of your role.
• Strong IT skills and proficiency in relevant software.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively.

Work Perks of being an Operations Manager with us at ARC

• 2 Annual Members passes, giving access to over 1500 racedays
• Hotel Discounts and Complimentary Golf
• Annual leave starting at 22 days increasing up to 28 in line with length of service
• Pension & Group life assurance schemes
• Healthshield – including 24hr GP & EAP

and so much more!

At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.

We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top-down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.