Racecourse Operations Manager Position Description
Position Discription Racecourse Operations Manager Position Title: Reports To: Business Unit: Department: Racecourse Operations Manager CEO Pakenham Racing Club Racing Operations Date: 1 Feb 2015 1. Position Summary The Pakenham Racing Club is fast expanding its thoroughbred racing and training operations. This position is required to effectively and efficiently lead and direct a range of track maintenance staff, contractors, etc in the delivery of a broad range of services to Trainers and other industry stakeholders. The Pakenham Racing Club is a complex work environment. Racing at the venue commences in March 2015 and the Polytrack synthetic track will be operating for racing and training in May 2015. The Polytrack is designed to host last minute transfer race meetings. Night racing is programmed to commence in Jan 2016. The Club expects to run 50 race meetings annually. The Clubs horse training operations are expected to grow significantly from May 2015. Major and minor infrastructure development is expected to be continually ongoing at this racecourse. The Pakenham Racecourse is set to become one of the biggest and busiest racetracks in Australia. 2. Responsibilities Racing and training Ensure that the team prepares all racing and training tracks in accordance with the RVL Racecourse Maintenance Standards, to provide for superior tracks that have a reputation for safety, consistency and fairness. Ensure that the team maintains the horse training facilities and training tracks at a Tier 1 training centre standard, and in a manner that provides Trainers with industry best practice facilities for the range of facilities and tracks that exist at the racecourse. Provide customer focused safe and efficient services to Horse Trainers. Ensure the training of horses at Pakenham is conducted in accordance with the Club Rules and RVL Rules of Racing and the OH&S Act 2004. Facilitate rule changes in consultation with the PTA. Manage the Club s race meeting interface with RVL Raceday Services staff. Ie Stewards, barrier attendants, ambulance, Vets, etc Manage staff and all resources & equipment efficiently and effectively.
Manage and direct all communications with Trainers and their employees on all operational matters. Oversee the performance of contractors and suppliers in relation to Tracks & Facilities. Develop processes and a culture whereby the supply of materials and goods to ensure PRC, is done so in a manner where the Club receives the best overall value for its money. Culture, Human Resources & Leadership Lead the team in a manner that promotes a progressive work and team culture, motivates staff and encourages support of the Club s organisational values. Promote and develop a work culture and a team that reflect the needs of a 7 day a week business and a business that starts operations at 3am, includes night racing and considerable week end work. Recognising the importance of the casual track maintenance workforce, recruit, train and develop a vibrant, motivated and customer focused workforce. Ensure all racecourse maintenance staff have clear Key Performance Indicators, accountabilities and job descriptions. Ensure all staff under the control of this position are formally performance appraised, including delivery of their staff development and training requirements. Ensure formal Standard Operating Procedures are prepared for key high risk activities and to ensure consistency in the delivery of services and operation of equipment & machinery by the staff. Racecourse Facilities & Infrastructure Assist the CEO and project delivery team with the delivery of infrastructure projects relating to tracks & horse training. Play a lead role in the project handover from the project delivery team and the contractors to the Club. Deliver the racing & training capital works projects as per the Club Capital Expenditure plan. Manage a team responsible for the day to day operation and maintenance of the entire site, including trainer allotments, environmental, Longwarry road setback, retail and commercial areas. Corporate Governance & Legal Member of the Racing Operations Sub Comm providing management support & direction to the group. Member of the joint PRC / Pakenham Trainers Assoc committee and Chairman of the PTA / PRC Advisory Group committee. Work closely with the Finance Dep t regarding racecourse maintenance finance and audit matters. Comply with the Club s governance systems & processes when authorising / approving payroll & time sheets, accounts payable & receivable. Member and Chairman of the Club s OH&S sub committee ensuring compliance with the necessary requirements of the Act. Provide monthly reports to the Racecourse Operations Committee and to the full committee as required to enable the Committees to properly and effectively fulfil their roles and obligations as Committee members.
Business Planning & Development Develop the Racecourse Operations business plan and ensure the plan is implemented and delivered by staff. Develop the Racecourse Operations annual budget and Cap Ex plan. Ensure all resources and the Racing Operations budget is allocated and used in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible. Risk Management and OH&S Actively promote and implement the RVL Race safe program throughout the Club, with particular focus on the high risk area of Training, contractor induction. Recognising the ongoing infrastructure development at this racecourse, provide a safe working environment for all staff, contractors and stakeholders. Develop a safety first culture amongst staff. Ensure that systems and processes allow for the reporting of hazards, injuries, near misses as well as ensuring rectification, reporting and review of same. Ensure that all duties performed by the Track maintenance team and contractors, are performed with respect to safe working practices in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Assist the CFO manage all insurance aspects relating to the racecourse maintenance operations. Ie work cover, motor vehicle, TAC insurance, Industrial Special risks, public liability, non raceday hire insurance, Manage the resident security staff member and be responsible for all general security matters relating to the venue, particularly security patrols outside of racecourse operating hours. Contractor & Stakeholder Management Elevate the image of the Club as a valued community organisation and leader in the Racing Industry. Manage Stakeholder relationships and project a professional image with Club stakeholders, racing industry participants, RVL, CRV. Pakenham Trainers being a particular priority. Manage and direct all Contractors requirements and services in relation to the racecourse venue. PERFORMANCE MEASURES Preparation and quarterly review of annual maintenance plans and of track maintenance works complying with annual maintenance commitment. Preparation of accurate annual budgets and Departmental performance v Budget. Preparation of annual cap ex plans, delivery of same (cost & time basis) v projections. Trainer feedback and complaints reporting process. Number of Rule breaches and incident reports Training. Production of an OH&S Plan, delivery of required actions and initiatives and maintenance of corrective actions register
Quality of the monthly reporting to the CEO & Racing Sub Committee Safety record within the tracks & facilities team. Level of presentation of grounds and training tracks Presentation and performance of racing surfaces during race meetings. Effective and efficient management of staff. Development & accountability of key staff, including formal performance review of all staff. Management of relationships with trainers, suppliers and Industry contacts. Ongoing management of labor, contractor and maintenance costs. Casual labour expenditure v budget. Number of grass gallops monthly, transferred race meetings held, number of abandoned / transferred race meetings from PRC. Provision of grass track access. Number of horses working daily. 3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED. A demonstrated track record in managing a growing workforce, contractors and stakeholders in a complex operating environment; Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage staff and contractor work programs and competing priorities; A proven track record in developing and leading a productive, flexible and efficient workplace that meets the needs of the business, effective work culture and a team environment; Highly developed skills in the areas of project management, communication and use of technology; Demonstrated understanding of the requirements and methodologies require to manage and mitigate risk and to develop a safe and harmonious workplace for employees, trainers and their employees; Given the nature of the facility and its continual ongoing capital development, project management experience, qualification and skills are highly desirable. 4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to CEO Most Frequent Contacts Finance Manager Commercial Manager Event Manager and staff Functions & Facilities Manager