Security Manager

Churchill Downs Incorporated; Henderson (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellis Park Racing & Gaming seeks a Security Manager to oversee security operations across racing, gaming, and backside areas, ensuring a safe, secure environment for employees, patrons, horsemen, and racing participants. The role emphasizes compliance with KHRC rules and Churchill Downs policies.

Responsibilities include developing SOPs, supervising security staff, managing emergencies, coordinating with KHRC representatives and Racing Officials, documenting incidents, and conducting

Qualifications

• 5+ years leadership experience in security operations or related field.
• Associate’s degree or higher in a related field preferred.
• Preferred certifications in First Aid, CPR and Security Awareness Training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee security operations for Ellis Park Racing & Gaming across racing, gaming, and backside areas.
• Supervise backside safety and security and ensure KHRC rule compliance.
• Prepare detailed incident reports and maintain required documentation (workers’ comp, GL, racing incidents).
• Coordinate with Racing Officials, KHRC representatives, and property leadership for regulatory compliance.
• Develop, implement, and enforce SOPs and directives, and manage emergencies and security alerts.
• Investigate reported violations and take corrective action; conduct testimony when required.

Skills

Security leadership

Policy compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Flexible schedule

Education

Associate’s degree or higher

KHRC license knowledge

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Ellis Park offers live thoroughbred horse racing during the summer season, with simulcast wagering 365 days a year, 300 HHR machines, exciting promotions, convenient sports betting, The Pea Patch Deli, Dade Park Grill and more.

JOB SUMMARY

The Security Manager is responsible for overseeing all security operations at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, including the protection of property, facilities, and equipment, while ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, patrons, horsemen, and racing participants. In addition, this position plays a critical role in supervising and directing backside safety and security, as well as maintaining compliance with Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission (KHRGC) regulations and company policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The work environment characteristics described here represent those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive but a general illustration. It may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities deemed necessary.

• Manage, supervise, and direct all security operations for Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, including racing operations, gaming operations, and backside areas.
• Oversee backside safety and security protocols, ensuring compliance with KHRC rules, including monitoring access control, licensing requirements, stable area safety, and horsemen security needs.
• Ensure proper documentation and reporting of property incidents, including Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, and racing-related incidents. Prepare detailed activity reports as required.
• Supervise, schedule, and evaluate the work of assigned security staff to ensure consistent coverage of the racing facility and stable areas.
• Lead supervisors and team members through effective talent development, performance management, and training programs.
• Develop, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Special Post Orders, and directives, including backside-specific procedures approved by the Director of Security & Surveillance.
• Manage emergencies, security alerts, and disputes involving racing operations, gaming operations, or backside personnel.
• Maintain backside access control systems and ensure all restricted areas are properly secured.
• Coordinate with Racing Officials, KHRC representatives, and property leadership to ensure regulatory compliance and effective safety enforcement.
• Prepare reports, gather evidence, and provide testimony as required at hearings or investigations related to racing or gaming incidents.
• Conduct investigations into reported violations and take appropriate corrective action.
• Monitor departmental financial objectives, including forecasting, budgeting, scheduling expenditures, and initiating corrective measures.
• Ensure all staff adhere to Ellis Park policies, KHRGC regulations, and state and federal laws.
• Build positive relationships with patrons, racing participants, and Ellis Park personnel by providing exceptional customer service and fostering a safe, professional environment.

Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret standard documentation.
• Identify problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret an extensive variety of instructions, troubleshooting when necessary.
• Maintaining a professional working relationship among all team members.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Works well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky gaming/racing license and a Race and Sportsbook Employee License

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of leadership experience in security operations, law enforcement, or related field required.
• Associate’s degree or greater in related field preferred.
• Preferred certifications in First Aid, CPR and Security Awareness Training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee is regularly required to stand, speak, hear, use hands, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally be required to sit. Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision, color and depth perception, and peripheral vision. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (50) pounds.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered by an associate while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

When working in the office, the noise level is moderately quiet. When on the casino floor, the noise level may be loud, and the employee will possibly be exposed to cigarette smoke on the casino floor. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ellis Park offers live thoroughbred horse racing during the summer season, with simulcast wagering 365 days a year, 300 HHR machines, exciting promotions, convenient sports betting, The Pea Patch Deli, Dade Park Grill and more.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.