Strategy Manager – The Jockey Club

Based at: Location Flexible

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

About the role

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Strategy Manager to join our amazing Commercial team to identify & support delivery of commercial strategic projects and planning to drive long term revenue growth for The Jockey Club, ensuring that we act for the good of British racing in everything we do.

About The Jockey Club

The Jockey Club stages thrilling sporting occasions and live events nationwide including The Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival & The Derby. Owning & operating 15 course’s, millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment on raceday’s and beyond.

As the largest commercial group in British racing, we are guided by our mission to act for the long term good of the sport. Every penny we make goes back into racing to promote excellence within Britain’s second biggest spectator sport. Our people are what makes this possible

At The Jockey Club people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people.

The Strategy Manager will

¨ Identify and support the Head of Strategy to deliver key strategic projects and new business initiatives that create a step change in Group revenues – both around core racing product and in new areas.

¨Develop financial models and cases to support your analysis and enable data-driven decision-making.

¨Distil data, insights and information into clear and compelling written presentations / strategic papers.

¨ Use a data-driven approach at all times, combining internal and external data where appropriate to drive decision making at every level.

¨ Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to prepare the analysis required to evaluate business, market and M&A opportunities.

¨ Support the Executive team to help monitor the strategic direction for the Group via annual and five-year planning processes.

¨ Drive a culture of insight-led continuous improvement across all revenue streams, such as raceday (ticketing, hospitality, catering), venue diversification, sponsorship, broadcast and digital media, and betting.

¨Act as a thought leader, sharing and applying learnings from other sports, leisure and entertainment organisations.

About you

¨ Experience of working in strategy functions in house or in a consulting firm

¨ Leading analysis and modelling within strategic projects

¨ High level of Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint proficiency

¨ Knowledge of trends in the leisure and sports industries

¨ Sound financial knowledge and understanding of business modelling.

¨ Outstanding analytical skills, including skills in financial modelling and strategic evaluation.

¨ Creativity and curiosity to find and apply data and comparable case studies to a strategic question.

What we offer in return

¨ All colleagues can go along to any of our race day or music events free of charge – along with 3 friends or family with our TeamPass Ticket scheme.

¨ An award-winning pension scheme provider with a generous employer contribution

¨ A healthcare cash back plan enabling you to claim money back on health & wellbeing services.

¨ 25 days annual leave

¨ Access to a suite of Learning & Development training resources from renowned providers

¨ A whole host of other benefits including free eyecare vouchers, a ride to work cycle scheme & discounts across varying retailers & services.

If you think you have everything we’re looking for and more, then we’d love to hear from you. Don’t hang around, our closing date for this vacancy is 1st March but we reserve the right to bring this forward if we have a large number of applications

Content and PR Manager – Ascot Racecourse

As a member of the Ascot Marketing Team, you’ll be responsible for developing, creating and delivering lifestyle content and PR campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of Ascot Racedays, Royal Ascot and Events at Ascot – the racecourse’s corporate events division. As the brand continues to grow its UK business and international audiences, this will be a pivotal role in helping to drive awareness and consideration.

A dynamic, energetic and confident individual with a background in content marketing, PR and talent management. We’re looking for a creative and pro-active individual who is on the pulse with current lifestyle trends and is ready to hit the ground running as we develop and launch our 2023 campaigns. Excellent organisation, attention to detail and a can-do attitude will stand you in good stead in this fast-paced team.

Reporting to the Senior Content & PR Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for managing third party agencies (mainly PR and content), developing campaigns and strategic plans to support business and commercial objectives, and reporting on activities to demonstrate ROI. You will champion innovation and think creatively to implement and evolve a high standard of lifestyle content and PR.

This will involve being a lead on Ascot’s UK and international talent programmes that will support the delivery of a year-round content plan spanning video, photography, podcasts and event activations. 

Collaborating with your fellow marketing team and the wider business to identify relevant stories and effectively communicate them to our target audiences through appropriate mediums and channels. Hitting brand and business KPIs for event-focused and evergreen campaigns, we’re looking for someone who also thrives on using data alongside a creative approach to engage with consumers.

Marketing works closely with the Partnerships team to ensure we offer all brands innovation and value from the relationship. This role will require elements of commercial acumen to identify opportunities for increased exposure through newsworthy collaborations that elevate brand experiences and drive audience growth.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

TALENT

  • Lead Ascot’s relationships with key talent, influencers and authoritative digital media to place content that engages target audiences, supports commercial objectives and maintains brand positioning
  • Oversee contractual agreements are in place and fulfilled to ensure ROI
  • Identify new talent that supports the brand positioning and target audience engagement
  • Own raceday hosting programmes and act as a brand ambassador when hosting guests. Keeping track of invitations, RSVPs and dispatching of tickets and/or gifting where necessary

COMMS

  • Educate the business on core messaging (Royal Ascot, Ascot Racedays, B2B, conference and events, fine dining, sustainability, charity, etc.) to ensure uniformity in internal and external comms
  • Act as a conduit between the marketing department and wider business to identify relevant stories and support the development of engaging content
  • Champion the Ascot brand through all communications
  • Work proactively with the Senior Broadcast Manager to ensure Ascot makes the most of broadcasters to distribute key messages and showcase Ascot’s broader lifestyle offering

OTHER

  • Managing budgets and activity spend where necessary
  • Collating and compiling reports to feed into wider department and business updates to demonstrate ROI

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

  • Experienced in managing lifestyle PR, content and talent campaigns with a wide range of objectives and KPIs
  • A communications enthusiast who can translate strategy into action
  • A great networker, excellent at communicating with the ability to work independently as well as collaborating with key stakeholders
  • A strong team player who motivates and supports fellow team members
  • Able to work across multiple projects and timelines concurrently with the ability to prioritise around commercial objectives or sudden changes in priorities
  • A strategic and commercial thinker, able to make recommendations on how to strengthen output, improve processes and keep the business moving forward through innovation and first-class communications
  • Excellent commercial acumen with a passion for delivering results
  • Someone who demonstrates strong analytical skills to interpret data, anticipate challenges and develop solutions
  • On the pulse with trends with a creative approach
  • An eye for a good story and the creative acumen to be able to create ‘news’ where it doesn’t otherwise exist
  • Adaptable, agile, able to multitask and switch between strategy and tactics seamlessly
  • A natural relationship builder that seeks out the connections to be able to deliver on plans and strategies

DESIRED SKILLS

  • IT skills – ideally using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Experience in an equivalent or relevant position
  • PR and marketing experience within premium sports, entertainment, or luxury brand
  • Ideally established media contacts across lifestyle publications
  • Ability to form solid relationships with relevant media
  • An interest in horse racing

VALUES

The jobholder should understand our values to enable them to promote Ascot as a first-class leisure venue and to ensure that all customers receive the best possible level of service. These include:

  • Original: Lead the way
  • Uplifting: Make every moment delightful
  • Elegant: Take care of the detail

BENEFITS AVAILABLE:

Alongside a competitive salary we offer complimentary tickets for race days and some events that you can share with friends and family alongside pension and discounts in selected retailers locally.

CLOSING DATE:

Closing date is 24 February 2023. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified.

As an equal opportunities employer, Ascot Racecourse Limited is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our company.

ABOUT THE RACECOURSE:

Ascot Racecourse is horse racing’s most iconic venue with a history spanning over 300 years.

Royal Ascot broadcasts to over 200 countries with audiences in the many millions; its unique blend of top-class racing, fashion, fine dining, pageantry, and glamour make it a place Like Nowhere Else. 

With other notable race days and a year-round calendar of events to support, Ascot is a flourishing business and a fantastic place to develop your career.

Head of Customer Data & CRM – The Jockey Club

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Customer Data & CRM to join our Digital team leading the customer data and CRM program across the group. 

About The Jockey Club 

The Jockey Club stages thrilling sporting occasions and live events nationwide including The Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival & The Derby. Owning & operating 15 course’s, millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment on raceday’s and beyond.

As the largest commercial group in British racing, we are guided by our mission to act for the long term good of the sport. Every penny we make goes back into racing to promote excellence within Britain’s second biggest spectator sport. Our people are what makes this possible 

At The Jockey Club people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people.

The Head of Customer Data & CRM will: –

·Deliver and refine the strategic framework to significantly grow our customer and fan database, working closely with key internal stakeholders across the group.

·Develop a data enrichment programme focused on first party data that adopts a test and learn approach. Continuously enhance the data collection points and understanding of our customers that unlocks commercial opportunities and delivers a ROI. 

· Work in a matrix structure with the Racecourse Operational and Commercial teams to shape and deliver data capture methodologies and drive commercial opportunities. 

· Drive improvements in the customer journey and operational effectiveness using Customer Data 

· Continuous improvement of the customer data strategy and operating model in collaboration with senior stakeholders. 

· Become an expert in our new Single Customer View data platform and the surrounding technology and any subsequent solution investments.

· Work closely with our DPO to define policies and standards to ensure compliance with company and regulatory best practice whilst balancing the commercial requirements of the business. 

· Define and deliver a long-term CRM strategy, that includes delivery of real time personalisation, management of a loyalty and rewards programme and delivery of a multi-channel contact strategy that achieves high rates of customer engagement, generates revenue and loyalty.

·Lead the Customer lifecycle strategy, driving performance across acquisition, retention, win back, reactivation and monetisation.

·Adopt a robust test and learn approach to CRM, to increase retention, reduce churn and increase activations, ensuring that all learnings are captured and applied to future campaigns

·Manage and coach an in-house CRM team, driving relentlessly high standards and excellence.

About you 

·Have in depth knowledge of methodologies to be able to acquire fist party customer data, measurement and testing frameworks to assess commercial value of customer data acquisition 

·Substantial knowledge in CRM segmentation, campaign management and Personalisation 

·In-depth knowledge of Data and CRM technology, processes, and analytical tools. 

·Detailed understanding to be able to define and roll out a customer lifecycle strategy.

·In-depth knowledge of GDPR and PECR regulations

·Knowledge of setting up and running a customer loyalty and rewards program

·Experienced in managing and mentoring high-performance CRM team.

·Forward thinking, innovative and agile. Comfortable taking on a high level of responsibilities and driving continuous improvement.

·Strong communication skills along with a customer-oriented mindset and ability to build rapport and good working relationships across departments and different stakeholders.

What we offer in return 

¨ All colleagues can go along to any of our race day or music events free of charge – along with 3 friends or family with our TeamPass Ticket scheme.

¨ An award-winning pension scheme provider with a generous employer contribution

¨ A healthcare cash back plan enabling you to claim money back on health & wellbeing services. 

¨ 25 days annual leave 

¨ Access to a suite of Learning & Development training resources from renowned providers

¨ A whole host of other benefits including free eyecare vouchers, a ride to work cycle scheme & discounts across varying retailers & services. 

If you think you have everything we’re looking for and more, then we’d love to hear from you. Don’t hang around, our closing date for this vacancy is 13th February but we reserve the right to bring this forward if we have many applications.

Network Manager – The Jockey Club

Due to expansion within the team, we have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced IT professional to join the IT Team as Network Manager. This role will be responsible for the operation, performance, and security of the local and wide area networks and associated infrastructure across the group. 

Key responsibilities; 

· To own the network infrastructure across the group, including switches, routers, cabinets, firewalls, monitoring systems e.t.c, ensuring that 3rd party management of the network is appropriate and in line with SLA’s 

· Network Service Management – Providing regular network service reviews to evaluate the network providers performance. This will include achievement against contractually agreed SLAs, incident register, risk register, escalations and contract breaches 

· To manage, develop and motivate the Network & Security Analyst 

· To define and deliver a long term plan for network investment, including hardware replacement and software upgrades. To work with network vendors and suppliers to ensure that a clearly outlined roadmap of future developments is delivered 

· To provide 2nd/3rd line support to the Service Desk team and the Technical Manager to help troubleshoot and resolve issues and problems, acting as an escalation point for issue management and resolution 

· Support tender process for refresh of technology as required (to include LAN support, WAN, (both wires only and/or managed) and Wifi, including content management, guest portal and data capture 

· To provide operational support and point of presence at major events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Epsom Derby and Aintree Grand National. Working with on-site Operations teams to ensure that temporary infrastructure and networks are installed in a timely fashion 

The successful candidate will; 

· Possess an IT related degree or equivalent 

· CCNP/CCNA Networking qualification 

· Have previous experience with Routing and Switching and also with MPLS/WAN 

· Have experience with Multi-site MPLS Network and VPN Management 

· Have previous experience with managing external suppliers and multiple internal stakeholders 

· Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills 

· Be self motivated and able to work under pressure 

The successful candidate will be required to work evenings and weekends to support racing when necessary. There will be travel required across the UK & will be on call on a rota basis (1 week in 4) 5.30pm to 10pm weekdays and 8am – 6pm weekends. 

The closing date for applications is 5th December. We reserve the right to bring this date forward should we receive a large volume of applications. 

At The Jockey Club people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people

Tender for TV commercial production for Japan Racing Association

Classification of the services to be procured : 73
⑵ Nature and quantity of the services to be required : TV commercial production
⑶ Expected date of the contract award : 28 October 2022
⑷ Reasons for the use single tendering procedures as provided for in the Agreement on Government Procurement : b “Absence of Competition for Technical Reasons”
⑸ Contact point for the notice : Contract and Procurement Division, Legal Affairs Department of Japan Racing Association, 1-1-1 Nishishimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003 Japan
E-Mail : keiyaku-qa@jra.go.jp

Customer Relations Manager -The Jockey Club

Job title: Customer Relations Manager

Based at: Sandown Park

Contract type: Fixed Term (up to 12 months)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Customer Relations Manager to oversee the management of The Regional Customer Relations and Reception Teams, and all administration

Role summary

  • To ensure all customer requests and complaints in relation to ticketing, membership and general race day experience are handled effectively and in a timely manner.
  • All complaints to be effectively logged communicated and resolved.
  • To be responsible for administering the set-up of all BOB sheets for the Region’ tickets, ensuring tickets are on the system and everything is ready for the ‘go live days’
  • To ensure that the website is correct in relation to ticket and membership prices
  • To manage the Customer Service function on racedays and non racedays, including overseeing race day Customer Service
  • To lead the regional customer relations executives, ensuring that tasks are set and completed in an efficient and timely manner, managing the regional workload
  • To manage all aspects of Annual Badges for the year for the Region with the aim of exceeding budget. Ordering metal badges, car passes, pass cards to fulfill the delivery of the sales for the Region. Booking reciprocals with other courses.
  • .To assist in the processing of ticketing transactions as required and support Jockey Club Ticketing.
  • .To prepare pre and post raceday paperwork as required by the ops team, including all invoicing and ticket/badge requirements.
  • Working closely with the Operations team for pre, raceday and post racing
  • To manage all promotional literature for the members liaising with the marketing department on content

The successful candidate will;

  • Be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Have understanding and knowledge of organizing large scale events
  • Be experienced in managing a team of people
  • Have experience of working in a Customer Service or relationship management role
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills
  • Have ability to remain calm in a busy sometimes pressurised environment

The successful candidate will be required to work evenings and weekends to support racing when necessary.

The closing date for applications is 29th August We reserve the right to bring this date forward should we receive a large volume of applications.

At The Jockey Club people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people.

Content Lead – The Jockey Club

Job title: Content Lead 

Based at: Flexible on location. Although monthly travel to Sandown Park requirement.

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Content Lead to join our Digital Team. As Content Lead at The Jockey Club, you will oversee the strategy and production of multimedia content from ideation through to delivery. You’ll work on key projects that support business efforts to grow relationships with existing and opportunity audiences and our commercial partners. Ultimately, overseeing all brand marketing content initiatives, to ensure customer engagement, brand consistency and a positive customer experience. 

About Us 

The Jockey Club stages thrilling sporting occasions including the Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment on racedays and beyond. This is all made possible by our brilliant people. 

We are the largest commercial group in Britain’s second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, and our charity, Racing Welfare. 

Every penny we make goes back into British Racing to help the sport to thrive. Our vision is for British horseracing to be the best in the world for many years to come and for the sport to be accessible for millions of people in the UK to enjoy. 

Role summary 

  • Develop and oversee an integrated content strategy and set of plans across the breadth of the racing calendar, designed to strengthen and amplify brand campaigns and key reputational and cultural themes, across owned and earned digital marketing and CRM channels.
  • Develop a content calendar aligned to the overarching short and long term objectives of the Marketing team and wider campaign plans. 
  • Lead the content planning and on-site content production at our three biggest racing festivals; The Grand National at Aintree, The Derby at Epsom Derby and Cheltenham Festival. Alongside, commercially important Band A racing festivals across the year. You will be adept in managing a team of videographers, photographers, editors and producers to capture and deliver compelling live content. 
  • Lead the content strategy and guide and support associated social media planning across our marquee festivals and events. 
  • Support in the development of a group-wide social media strategy that enables growth across all The Jockey Clubs digital platforms and social communities, supporting the achievement of national volume and revenue objectives.
  • Support the marketing teams in capturing and consolidating appropriate priority product content in response to clear guidance and briefs. This may include appropriate photography, video or lead copy. Anything that will help our racegoers better understand, connect with and buy our propositions.
  • Working closely with our Creative studio, Digital, Marketing, Communication and Commercial teams, to understand and support their respective objectives, while at the same time remaining true to our brand values and ensuring stories are told in an entertaining and compelling way.
  • Work alongside the Brand Marketing Manager to develop an IPTV strategy at our racecourses. To improve customer experience and potentially optimise commercial returns. 
  • Ensure seamless pre-production processes, ensuring subsequent shoots capture all planned content and meet The Jockey Club brand standards..
  • Management of a Content Producer to deliver on the strategy and maintain best in class output.

The successful candidate will have;

¨ Experience and understanding of all key areas of social and content marketing

¨ Deep experience in the production and deployment of digital content

¨ Ability to build highly positive relationships with marketing peers, across the wider marketing teams and to work closely with operational teams, as required.

¨ Ability to operate effectively across complex organisational matrices, build constructive and positive relationships and to thrive in a process-driven environment.

¨ Highly collaborative and supportive approach to working with 

¨ A disciplined and highly organized approach to running projects and developments across multiple areas

The closing date for applications is 16th August. We reserve the right to bring this date forward should we receive a large volume of applications.

At The Jockey Club people are at the heart of what we do and drive our success. We are inclusive and actively seek to attract people with unique backgrounds and perspectives. Diverse, collaborative teams are pivotal to our success and support the potential and growth of all our people

Group Financial Controller – The Jockey Club

One Team: Group Financial Controller (12 month Fixed Term Contract)

Based at: High Holborn, London

Contract type: Fixed Term

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday

The Jockey Club is looking to recruit an experienced Group Financial Controller to manage the group’s internal and external reporting processes, promote a best practice financial control and compliance culture, manage the Group’s shared finance centre and to provide analysis and insight for various group functions.

Role summary

The Jockey Club operates 15 racecourses nationwide including Cheltenham, Aintree, Epsom Downs, training grounds, The National Stud and Racing Welfare. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years PQ experience, strong technical and analytical skills, and excellent communication skills with the ability to distil complex financial information to a wide range of stakeholders.

Key responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to:

  • Central control, consolidation and management of all aspects of Group reporting, including monthly management accounts process, annual Statutory accounts preparation, cash and net debt reporting tracking headroom against the JCR banking covenants, for reporting to Exec management and main Board. Preparation of management accounts of forecasts for head office functions.
  • Lead the Shared Finance function (Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Treasury teams) in their development, implementing process improvement as identified and required and continuing its journey as a development ground for future finance talent across the Group. Build a culture of empowerment within that team. 
  • Head of Finance for Jockey Club Services, our outsourcing business. Responsible for pricing, contract reviews, client relationship, reporting.
  • Act as primary interface and co-ordination with the Group’s external auditors and tax advisers, to agree audit scope and procedures as well as timetable and ensure all audit deliverables including tax packs, are available in a timely manner.
  • Ownership of group chart of accounts and finance systems. Maintain strong financial controls across the group to preserve integrity of financial reporting and avoid unnecessary one off adjustments. Drive balance sheet reconciliations process and regular review of working capital movements as a priority.
  • Full ownership of the HMRC relationship for the Group. Main interface with HMRC for submission of all Group tax returns and management of VAT quarterly return processes, including MTD.
  • Responsibility for compliance with areas regulations such as CCO, SAO, off-payroll labour (IR35).
  • Working with the CFO to identify and evaluate alternative forms of structured finance for the business and optimizing the use of the Group’s assets. Transaction lead on future refinancing.
  • Actively participate and make a strong contribution to the Finance Leadership Team meetings and discussions on finance values, priorities and their implementation, as well as influencing Regional Finance Directors as appropriate.
  • Maintain and develop on-going processes of sharing and spreading best practice, with the rest of the Finance Leadership team, in all aspects of financial and management reporting.
  • Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the CFO, Regional Finance Directors and Heads of Finance at Jockey Club Estates and the National Stud, as well as day-to-day various external stakeholders (Banks, HMRC, HBLB, JV partners, auditors).

We are looking for applications from candidates who can demonstrate the following:

  • A professional Finance qualification, ACA or ACCA certified
  • Advanced knowledge and operation of Excel functionality
  • Proven experience of working in a PQE role within a Group/matrix environment
  • Up-to-date technical skills and strong analytical capability
  • A proven track record as a self-starter, working with a wide range of stakeholders across the business, right up to CEO and Board level. The ability to set own agenda and work independently, balancing sometimes conflicting priorities
  • Strong leadership and management skills and a track record of developing both functional and management skills within a team.

Due to the requirement to travel to racecourses around the Group, the successful candidate will need to have a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.

The closing date for applications is 20th June 2022. We reserve the right to bring this date forward should we receive a large volume of applications.