Head of Operations
Job No:
BRISRC241
Location:
Ascot, QLD
About Us
At Brisbane Racing Club (BRC), we’re a passionate community with a rich history and a vision for an exciting future. We’re known for delivering incredible race day experiences and maintaining world-class facilities, and we’re looking for a Head of Operations to join our team.
About the Role
The Brisbane Racing Club is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Operations to lead the end‑to‑end operational delivery of our race days, major events, and commercial activities. This senior leadership role is responsible for translating event strategy into actionable plans, ensuring operational excellence, risk and safety compliance, financial performance, and high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.
You will champion operational readiness, make real‑time decisions on event days, foster a high‑performing team culture, and drive continuous improvement across all aspects of event and venue operations. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment and enjoy delivering exceptional experiences at scale, this is the role for you.
What You’ll Be Doing
Operational Planning & Delivery
- Lead the end‑to‑end planning and execution of race day and event operations.
- Oversee operational plans, timelines, run sheets, site maps, and event orders to ensure seamless delivery.
- Manage venue setup, pack-down, logistics, and equipment to meet event objectives and experience standards.
- Act as the key operational decision-maker on event days, resolving issues and managing contingencies in real time.
- Monitor event flow, crowd movement, and participant and patron safety.
- Ensure compliance with licensing, regulations, permits, insurances, and governing body requirements.
- Manage and negotiate with vendors, suppliers, and contractors for high-quality, on-time delivery.
- Liaise with venues, authorities, emergency services, and racing governance bodies.
- Collaborate with internal partners to develop hospitality offerings for racing and commercial events.
Team Leadership
- Lead, develop, and motivate operations staff, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Facilitate pre-event briefings and, where required, coordinate the Event Control Centre.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct post-event debriefs, capture learnings, and update SOPs, checklists, and operational frameworks.
Financial Management
- Manage the operations budget, payroll, and resource allocation.
- Approve expenditure in line with financial controls.
- Oversee department CAPEX planning, infrastructure investment, and forecasting.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a capable, proactive, and collaborative operations leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery. You will bring:
- Qualifications in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, or related fields (preferred).
- Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale events, including public events and trade shows.
- Strong leadership capability and experience developing high‑performing teams.
- A solid understanding of RSA, WH&S, and operational legislative requirements.
- Proven ability to prioritise, plan, and manage competing deadlines under pressure.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proficiency in operational and administrative systems (Word, Excel, Adobe, Outlook, EBMS).
- Knowledge of the thoroughbred racing industry and/or events and hospitality (advantageous).
Above all, you will embody the BRC values - Professional, Community, Safety & Wellbeing, Challenge & Innovation, Pride, and Responsible - and model these through every interaction.
What You’ll Get
As part of the Brisbane Racing Club, you’ll be joining a passionate team committed to delivering memorable experiences and shaping the future of racing and events in Queensland. In this role, you will enjoy:
- The opportunity to lead major events at one of Australia’s most iconic racing and entertainment venues.
- A supportive, collaborative, values‑driven culture.
- The ability to influence strategy, innovate, and elevate event delivery standards.
- Professional development opportunities and career growth within a dynamic industry.
- A workplace where safety, wellbeing, community, and accountability are at the forefront.
- Variety and excitement - no two event days are the same!
Why Join Us?
At BRC, we’re more than just a workplace - we’re a community built on passion and innovation. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises learning, growth, and teamwork. If you're ready to make an impact and take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re excited about this opportunity and ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and let’s start this journey together!