Who we are Welcome to Ascot where tradition meets innovation and excitement is the heartbeat of our business. We are a destination for over 500,000 guests each year where passion, elegance, and celebration converge and it is our team of behind-the-scenes heroes that bring every intricate detail to life. As one of the world's leading racecourses, Ascot is renowned for its rich heritage spanning over 300 years. But we are not bound by the past; we're driven by the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. From hosting our flagship event, Royal Ascot, to pioneering sustainable practices, we are committed to building a Global lifestyle brand, wrapped around the world class horse racing we run. At Ascot we believe in preserving the beauty of our surroundings and minimising our ecological footprint. From eco-friendly initiatives to community engagement programs, we strive to make a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of those around us. What we are looking for We are currently seeking a Senior Project Manager - QIPCO British Champions Day, based in our offices at the racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire. What you’ll be doing We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Project Manager to lead and execute the delivery of the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot and its supporting assets, Club 26 and the Hall of Fame. This prestigious event, marking the end of the flat racing season, requires an individual with a passion for both the racing industry and high-profile event management. This senior role will oversee the full lifecycle of the event, from pre-event planning to execution on the day, and post-event analysis. The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for reporting directly to the Chair of the Business and collaborating with Ascot’s operational teams. A key part of this role will involve managing a Social Media Manager and coordinating a full marketing strategy to ensure the event reaches its maximum potential. Key Responsibilities: Event Planning & Execution: Lead the strategic planning of the QIPCO British Champions Day, ensuring a seamless and successful event. This includes the strategic direction and management of Club 26 and the Hall of Fame. Work closely with Ascot’s internal teams, including operations, security, hospitality, and catering to ensure all aspects of the event run smoothly. Work collaboratively with Ascots marketing team to oversee a comprehensive Marketing Plan that supports all aspects of the event, from pre-event promotions to post-event evaluations. Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary point of contact between the business, major racecourse entities and other key stakeholders in the industry (attending board meetings. Report directly to the Chair of the Business on all aspects of the event, including progress, key issues, and performance metrics. Collaborate with sponsors to meet their specific needs, ensuring excellent relationships and satisfaction throughout the planning and execution stages. Team Management & Marketing Collaboration: Manage the Social Media Manager to maintain BCS social channels and create engaging content. Ensure a strong social media and digital presence for the event. Work collaboratively to promote pre-event activities, including special run-up events that generate excitement and awareness about the day. Operational Oversight: Work with the Ascot team to run the on-site operations, including event logistics, attendee experience and overall event flow, working closely with Ascot’s operational team. Reporting & Post-Event Analysis: Provide regular updates and detailed reports on the event’s progress, risks and successes to the Chair of the Business and relevant stakeholders. Qualifications & Experience: Proven experience in leading and delivering high-profile events, particularly in the sports or entertainment sectors. Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to manage large-scale events, lead teams, and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment. Experience in marketing strategy and social media management, including digital campaigns and content creation. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage and collaborate with diverse teams, sponsors and external partners. Knowledge of the horse racing industry and previous experience working on major racing events (desirable but not essential). Strong communication and leadership skills to manage teams and interact with senior stakeholders effectively. Key Skills: Project Management – Proven ability to manage complex projects, coordinate multiple teams, and deliver on time and on budget. Stakeholder Engagement – Expertise in managing senior stakeholders, sponsors and other key partners. Marketing & Communications – Strong background in designing and executing marketing plans, digital campaigns and content strategies. Team Leadership – Experience in leading teams and managing staff, particularly in high-pressure situations. Operations Management – Experience in event logistics, site management and guest services. Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision We are committed to ensuring guests from all backgrounds and communities feel welcome at the Racecourse and are working to ensure our internal teams are nurtured within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our mission is to eliminate discrimination and prejudice of any kind at our venue and throughout our business. By educating and implementing meaningful actions across all that we do, we can make certain that Ascot is a place for everyone to enjoy. As an equal opportunities employer, Ascot Racecourse is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our company. How to apply Applications will close on 30 March 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified. For assistance with your application or should you require an alternative application format, please contact [email protected]