Deputy Estates Manager

Job title: Deputy Estates Manager  

Based at: Cheltenham Racecourse

Contract type: Permanent  

Hours: 40 hours per week  

About the role

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and passionate estates professional to join the team at Cheltenham Racecourse as Deputy Estates Manager. Working at one of the most iconic sporting venues in the country, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the estate, ensuring the racecourse and grounds are presented to the highest possible standards throughout the year. This is a varied, hands-on leadership position offering the chance to make a real impact across a unique and prestigious environment.

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 courses, millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment on racedays 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 Deputy Estates Manager will

• Supporting the Estates Manager in the day-to-day management of Cheltenham Racecourse's grounds and estate, taking responsibility in their absence. 
• Leading and motivating the Grounds Team, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. 
• Using your turf management expertise to help maintain a first-class racing surface throughout the year. 
• Planning and coordinating rail movements, course set-up, fence and hurdle construction for race fixtures. 
• Monitoring going conditions, water usage and irrigation systems to support racecourse operations. 
• Operating and overseeing a wide range of turf care machinery and equipment. 
• Managing contractors and helping deliver grounds maintenance projects in a cost-effective manner. 
• Working closely with the Clerk of the Course and wider operations teams to ensure the racecourse is presented at its very best for racing and events.

About You 

• Proven experience in turf management, ideally within a racecourse, sports turf or large estate environment. 
• A recognised qualification in turf management, such as GMA qualifications or equivalent. 
• Practical experience operating tractors, turf care machinery and associated equipment. 
• Good knowledge of irrigation systems, water management and turf maintenance practices. 
• Previous experience leading, motivating and developing a team. 
• A strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements and safe working practices. 
• A proactive, organised approach with excellent planning skills and attention to detail. 
• A positive and approachable team player with strong communication skills and the ability to work on their own initiative.

What we offer in return 

• Our TeamPass Ticket scheme gives all colleagues free entry to any of our race day or music events, with free entry for three friends or family members too.
• 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 A whole host of other benefits including a ride to work cycle scheme & discounts across varying retailers & services. 

If your skills and experience match this role, we’d love to hear from you. The closing date is 23rd November. Please apply early: we reserve the right to close the vacancy sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.