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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and sales teams at Cheltenham Racecourse for growth.
- Company: Join The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British racing, hosting thrilling events nationwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy free race day tickets, a generous pension scheme, healthcare cashback, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of an inclusive team driving excellence in sports while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior commercial roles with strong leadership and sales skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 23rd June; early applications may be prioritised.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a new Head of Commercial to join our team, leading the development and execution of a commercial strategy for Cheltenham Racecourse which delivers commercial growth in race day and non-raceday business, measured against key targets. Critical to the role will be the effective leadership and management of the sales teams, in achieving objectives, improving the sales process and experience for customers, as well as shaping the commercial strategy with the Cheltenham CEO. The role will be required to identify and deliver new commercial opportunities, utilising the assets of the Racecourses. The role also encompasses the responsibility to help guide and lead the wider group hospitality strategy, underpinned by Cheltenham’s significant hospitality business.
The Head of Commercial – Cheltenham – Group Hospitality will:
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive commercial growth plan.
- Lead, motivate, and inspire the Sales and Sales Service teams.
- Drive incremental sales and profitability across Hospitality and Conference & Events.
- Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.
- Identify and deliver new commercial opportunities in collaboration with the CEO.
- Negotiate and manage commercial agreements to foster long-term client relationships.
- Collaborate with other racecourses to leverage best practices and economies of scale.
- Shape customer segmentation strategies to maximise lifetime value.
- Coordinate with other Heads of Commercial to align hospitality strategy across the group.
- Manage key relationships with national agencies and stakeholders.
- Partner with the sponsorship team to commercialise local and group-wide assets.
About you:
- Proven experience in a senior commercial or sales role within sport or a closely related sector.
- A strong track record of hitting and exceeding ambitious sales targets.
- Skilled in developing and executing successful commercial strategies.
- Inspirational leader with experience managing and motivating high-performing teams.
- Confident communicator with excellent presentation and relationship-building skills.
- Commercially driven with a relentless focus on delivering results and growth.
- Strong sales, negotiation, and influencing skills with sharp commercial acumen.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities.
- Gravitas to build credibility and trust with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Resilient, agile, and able to thrive under pressure.
- Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
- Data-driven and analytical, using insight to inform smart business decisions.
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 23rd June but we reserve the right to bring this forward if we have many applications.
Head of Commercial - Group Operations employer: The Jockey Club
Contact Detail:
The Jockey Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial - Group Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Jockey Club and its commercial strategies thoroughly. Understanding their current initiatives and challenges will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sports and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or connect on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led sales teams and exceeded targets in previous roles. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail, as they will be crucial in showcasing your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in commercial strategy within the sports industry. Being able to discuss innovative ideas and how they can be applied at Cheltenham Racecourse will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial - Group Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial roles, particularly within the sports or hospitality sectors. Emphasise your achievements in sales targets and leadership roles to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the industry. Discuss how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for leading the commercial strategy at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Highlight Leadership Experience: In your application, focus on your leadership style and past successes in managing high-performing teams. Provide specific examples of how you've motivated teams to achieve sales targets and fostered a collaborative environment.
Showcase Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to think strategically by including examples of how you've identified and capitalised on new commercial opportunities in previous roles. This will show your potential to drive growth at Cheltenham Racecourse.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Jockey Club
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the role requires effective leadership of sales teams, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing and motivating teams. Share specific examples of how you've inspired your team to achieve targets and improve processes.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Highlight your understanding of commercial strategies and how you've successfully executed them in the past. Be ready to discuss how you identify new opportunities and negotiate agreements that foster long-term relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Prepare scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or adapt to changing circumstances, particularly in a high-pressure environment.
✨Know the Company and Its Values
Research The Jockey Club and its mission. Understand their commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
