Chief Executive Officer

POSITION DESCRIPTION
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Position Title: Chief Executive Officer Date: March 2023

No of Direct Reports: 4 Type: Contract / Full Time

Reports to: Warrnambool Racing Club Chairman & Committee

Location: Warrnambool Racecourse – Grafton Road, Warrnambool

1. Overall Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of the position is to professionally and successfully manage the
Warrnambool Racing Club’s (the Club) overall operations. Maximisation of revenue returns and
driving profitability through effective management of racing operations and event and venue
management including, customer service, non-racing function and events, food & beverage
operations, corporate and race day packages, membership development and member services.

The CEO is responsible for providing strategic, financial and operational leadership for the Club
and will work closely with the WRC Committee as elected by the Club’s members.

The CEO will perform the role of Secretary under the rules of Racing for the Club, in respect to
the conduct of race meetings. The Club conducts 19 race meetings per annum.

2. Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

The role has overall responsibility for the operations and performance of the Club. In undertaking
this role and in accordance with policy and direction of the Committee, the CEO will deliver or

oversee the delivery of:
Statutory and Affiliate Responsibilities

• Ensure the direction and control of the Club’s business through the development and

implementation of Strategic Business Plans and Budgets.

• Ensure effective systems of reporting, evaluation and communication to the WRC

Committee, Members and Stakeholders.

• Facilitate in a timely manner the provision of information to the WRC Committee in

relation to the Clubs’ business activities.

• Ensure the timely and accurate flow of financial and non-financial information to and from

the Regional Finance Centre and Country Racing Victoria (CRV) in accordance with
business cycle requirements.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal legislative requirements (e.g. OH&S,

Associations Incorporations Acts, Liquor Licensing, etc.).

Human Resource Management

• Manage the recruitment, deployment, professional development and performance

reviews of all staff.

• Promote an effective, motivated and engaged workforce.
• Ensure all staff are clearly aware of their duties and responsibilities and that their roles

align with the Club’s strategic objectives and values.

• Manage direct reports on a day to day basis.
• Liaise with external service providers, subcontractors and labour hire personnel.

Stakeholder Management and Communication

• Build effective relationships with key stakeholder groups that will enhance the clubs

reputation and operational performance.

• Liaise with Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) and CRV to achieve streamlined and timely

communication systems.

• Liaise with all external and internal racing industry stakeholders.
• Represent the Club at RVL & CRV meetings for input at Racing Industry level.
• Develop and implement a public relations and communications plan to enhance internal

and external understanding of the Club’s objectives and achievements.

Racing Operations

• Oversee the successful conduct of race meetings in accordance with the standards

required by RVL and CRV.

• Effective liaison with industry participants including trainers, owners and jockeys.
• Evaluate and promote the participation and attractiveness of the racing program.

Business Development

• Ensure the maximisation of revenue returns from the sale of race day products such as

race sponsorships, packages, food, beverage and merchandise.

• Ensure the maximisation of revenue from bar operations, including overseeing an

effective inventory control system.

• Develop & grow year round sponsorship partnerships.
• Develop & grow the Clubs’ membership base.
• Ensure the growth and maximisation of the Club’s function centre revenue and other

non-racing revenue streams.

• Identify and facilitate opportunities for investment in profitable non-racing activities.
• Explore third party funding opportunities that enhance the Club’s position.
• Lead an environment that encourages a continuous business improvement mentality.

Marketing & Promotion

• Develop strategic relationships with stakeholders including local community, government

and corporate groups which enhance the promotion of the Club.

• Develop, direct and control marketing business strategies and activities of the Club to

assist in the promotion of race day events.

• Ensure effective PR, media liaison, advertising & brand management.
• Manage the promotion of the Club’s function centre.
• Event management duties for both raceday and non-raceday events:

o Event planning (including booking & logistics)
o Event setup, follow-up / review

Management of Tracks and Facilities

• Oversee, develop and manage the maintenance and presentation of the racecourse and

precinct in compliance with Industry standards.

• Oversee the maintenance and sustained development of all facilities to support the

Clubs’ racing operations.

• Co-ordinate the effective and efficient management of the Clubs’ training facilities

including liaison with track staff, trainers and other industry participants.

• Ensure site facilities are appropriately secured at all times, including liaising with external

security firms.

Strategic Objectives and Business Planning

• Together with the committee, develop the ongoing strategic plans of the Club.
• Implement the strategic plan initiatives, ensuring day to day Club operational objectives

are aligned.

• Manage and implement the Club’s master plan, including effective project management

of industry and infrastructure initiatives.

Club Values and Profile

• Lead the Club’s mission and display the Club’s values.
• Promote programs which establish the Club as a significant contributor to the community

and economy of the region.

• Develop a positive image of racing through strong liaison with community and local

government groups.

Other Activities

• Attend monthly committee meetings.
• Produce reports for the Committee, RVL and CRV as requested.
• Other duties that could reasonably be expected from such a position.

3. Skills, Knowledge and Experience

To effectively perform in the role the position holder must have the following skills, experience,

qualifications:

• Strong strategic acumen with commercial, financial and event management skills and

experience.

• An entrepreneurial approach with creative solutions based thinking to business

development and growth.

• High level of professional experience in managing and directing a diverse range of staff,

including a commitment to open, honest, two-way and frequent communication,
coaching and mentoring of employees.

• Strong influencing, stakeholder management, networking and interpersonal skills to

manage interactions with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic business plans and

effective sales and marketing programs.

• Experience in a customer focussed environment.
• A working knowledge of the thoroughbred racing industry is desirable.
• Strong team leadership capabilities.
• Superior organisational and planning skills (attention to detail).
• Exceptional written, verbal communication, negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritise effectively and manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Strong IT skills, especially in Microsoft Office packages.
• Willingness to have a strong community profile.

4. Behavioural Competencies

In line with the Club’s values, the position holder must display the following competencies:

• Ensures that decisions/actions are timely and align strategic plan and values.
• Consultative; shares information with relevant staff and stakeholders as required.
• Proactive approach and maintains a high profile within the club, the industry and other

stakeholders.

• Problem solves well.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Handles conflict appropriately.
• Influences others to achieve set outcomes.
• Empowers others.
• Emotional intelligence to influence and support a wide range of stakeholders including

navigating challenging situations

5. Working Relationships

• WRC Chairman and Committee members.
• WRC staff and contractors.
• WRC sponsors and clients.
• CRV and RVL employees, including CRV Regional Services Manager and Regional

Finance Manager.

• Industry participants, including trainers, other Club CEO/Managers, Australian Jumping

Racing Association.

• WRC tenants,
• Community bodies (e.g. local government, tourism bodies).
• Media.

Sound Like You?

Does this exciting role and lifestyle appeal to you? If yes, we strongly encourage you to
confidentially reach out to Catriona Hardiman, Director, Cooper Hardiman Pty Ltd. Catriona can
be contacted on 0448 971 711 or via email at catriona@cooperhardiman.com.au.

TO APPLY
Should you wish to apply for this role, please forward a cover letter addressing the Skills,
Knowledge and Experience Requirements along with your current resume to Catriona Hardiman
via e: catriona@cooperhardiman.com.au.

Applications close Sunday 16th April 2023.

Direct marketing, Analysis skills, Financial management, Marketing, Negotiation