There are few venues quite like Ascot.
Home to Royal Ascot and welcoming more than 500,000 guests each year, Ascot is one of the world’s most recognised racecourses providing the breathtaking horse racing events, delivering unforgettable experiences for fans, families and everyone who attends one of our 26 annual racedays.
We are looking for an exceptional Venue Director to lead the operation and long term stewardship of Ascot Racecourse and its estate.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and operating as a statutory Board Director, you will have overall accountability for Operations, Facilities and Property Management, ensuring Ascot is safe, resilient, exceptionally presented and consistently ready to deliver.
Operational readiness will sit at the heart of the role. You will lead the year-round preparation of the venue for Royal Ascot, racedays and other events, bringing together our people, infrastructure, partners and plans to deliver seamlessly at the highest level.
Alongside live event operations, you will provide strategic leadership of our estate and property portfolio, shaping long term asset and capital investment plans while balancing safety, operational requirements, guest experience and the stewardship of Ascot’s unique heritage.
About you
You will be an accomplished senior operational leader with significant experience in a complex, high-profile venue, major events, sport, hospitality or comparable environment.
You will bring:
- Significant leadership experience in large-scale venue operations and operational readiness.
- Strong experience across estates, facilities and asset management.
- A sound understanding of health and safety, operational risk, resilience and emergency planning.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- The judgement and credibility to operate confidently at Executive and Board level.
- A collaborative leadership style and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and partners.
Experience within racing or sport, or within a premium, heritage or highly brand-sensitive environment, would be advantageous.
This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in the future of one of Britain’s most iconic sporting venues, protecting everything that makes Ascot unique while ensuring it continues to operate and evolve at a world-class standard.
Venue Director in Ascot employer: Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is an attractive employer due to its commitment to innovation and sustainability, offering employees a chance to be part of a prestigious brand in the horse racing industry. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional development and community involvement.
