At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead race operations and ensure every event is delivered safely and professionally.
- Company: Join Daytona Sandown Park, the UK's leading karting operator.
- Benefits: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on teamwork and customer experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced motorsport environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, strong communication skills, and a passion for motorsport.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Location: Daytona Sandown Park, Esher
Department: Track Team
Reporting to: General Manager
Are you an experienced manager, supervisor, or team leader who thrives in fast-paced, live environments? As Race Director at Daytona Sandown, you'll lead race operations, oversee teams on shift, and ensure every event is delivered safely, professionally, and to the highest standard at the Midlands' largest outdoor racing track.
Why Join Us?
- Take a senior, hands-on leadership role at a busy outdoor motorsport venue
- Be responsible for live race operations and customer experience
- Lead, train, and develop teams in a fast-paced environment
- Work closely with senior management and influence venue performance
- Varied role combining operations, people management, safety, and events
- Opportunity to develop further within an established karting business
About Daytona & Sandown Park
Daytona is the UK's leading karting operator, delivering one of the most authentic motorsport experiences available in arrive-and-drive karting. From championship-winning DMAX race karts and iconic endurance events to corporate experiences and junior driver development, Daytona provides unrivalled racing opportunities for drivers of all levels. Daytona Sandown Park is a long-established outdoor karting venue operating in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Quality, consistency, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring every customer receives a safe, professional, and memorable experience.
The Role
As Race Director, you will be responsible for the safe and effective operation of the venue when on shift. You will lead teams across departments, oversee race control and track operations, manage staffing and rotas, and ensure customer expectations are met at all times. This role combines operational control, people leadership, safety oversight, and event delivery, and requires a confident decision-maker who remains calm under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
- Venue & Race Operations
- Take full responsibility for venue operations, acting as Duty Manager
- Oversee race control, track monitoring, and regulatory compliance
- Ensure safe delivery of all race sessions and events
- Coordinate event timings and operational requirements across departments
- People Management & Training
- Manage staff rotas, breaks, and shift deployment to maintain safe staffing levels
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of venue staff
- Ensure staff presentation, PPE, and professional standards meet Daytona requirements
- Conduct performance reviews and support career progression
- Safety, Compliance & Standards
- Ensure compliance with statutory, licensing, and company regulations
- Maintain accurate training, incident, and operational records
- Act as a key point of escalation for incidents, customer issues, and emergencies
- Ensure fire, evacuation, first aid, and incident procedures are followed
- Operations & Administration
- Liaise with engineering on kart safety, maintenance, and testing records
- Oversee stock control, purchasing, and budget-aware ordering
- Ensure correct money handling procedures are followed
- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting to GM, Ops, and HR
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a management or team leadership role
- Strong operational awareness and confident decision-making
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer-facing skills
- Experience in customer service or live operational environments
- Confidence in public speaking and leading teams
- Strong attention to detail and professional standards
- Computer literate, including MS Office
- First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to maintain certification)
- Flexible availability, working 40 hours per week on a rota including weekends
- Experience in motorsport, marshalling, or outdoor operational environments is highly desirable and advantageous
Race Director in Esher employer: Daytona Motorsport
At Daytona Sandown Park, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the motorsport industry, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where safety and performance are paramount. As an Assistant Head of Engineering, you'll not only advance your career in a hands-on role but also enjoy opportunities for leadership and professional development within a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional karting experiences. Join us at our vibrant outdoor venue in Esher, Surrey, where teamwork and quality service are at the heart of everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Race Director in Esher
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Daytona Motorsport. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Daytona Motorsport. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Race Director in Esher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Daytona Motorsport aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Daytona Motorsport
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Daytona Motorsport, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
