Manager TB Racing Surfaces

A NEW BREED OF ENTERTAINMENT

With almost 150 years of proud horseracing history, Woodbine Entertainment Group is the founding pioneer and largest operator of professional horseracing in Canada.

Building on our rich past, we are surging ahead to the future with an energized, new vision. Today we deliver the most thrilling and highest quality racing, dining and entertainment experiences to our visitors. In doing so, we remain a world-leader in horse-racing — and also among the most exciting and diverse entertainment facilities on the globe.

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is the effective and efficient maintenance of thoroughbred racing and training surfaces at Woodbine.  This includes direct responsibility for the overall management and day to day supervision of the track maintenance staff, which included unionized and non- unionized employees.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage and lead an effective Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces team to ensure the safety of all racing participants (equine and human), across all racing surfaces at Woodbine Racetrack (racing turf and Tapeta courses, training dirt and turf courses).  Support Woodbine’s position as leader in racetrack safety in North America by developing and executing racing surface operating plans that support Woodbine’s overall thoroughbred racing strategy
 

Provide leadership and direction to Woodbine thoroughbred track maintenance staff. Manage, assess, and monitor overall staff performance and identify areas for improvement, development, and additional training.  
 

Manage the day to day maintenance of all thoroughbred tracks at Woodbine (racing and training), ensuring safety and compliance and readiness for racing and training. Make informed recommendations, by leveraging both quantitative and qualitative information, to the Director of Racing Surfaces on whether racing should be cancelled and provide back up and insight on the issue at hand in terms of track condition and safety

Contribute to the development of and manage the Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces budget, financial reports, and goals/objectives with direction from the Director of Racing Surfaces, understanding the organization’s priorities, the needs of the business units, and the external environment.
 

Manage daily Track Log processes on all Woodbine track surfaces, ensuring accuracy and completeness of the data points collected.  

Liaise with the Grounds team on stormwater management and environmental requirements that impact thoroughbred racing surfaces. In addition, partner with the Sr.Manager, Fleet Operations to ensure operating equipment is in good working order, and maintenance procedures are documented and performed as required.

Responsible for assessing operational staffing to efficiently and effectively meet the operational demands of all racing and training surfaces on a day-to-day basis.

 Ensure all equipment is in safe working condition and ensure staff are properly trained.

Ensure Horse Ambulance, Starting Gate & track lights are operational and working well for live racing.

Interpret, administer and implement the applicable Collective Agreement, organizational policies and HR policies.  Hear Step 1 Grievances.
 

Exhibit and demonstrate and encourage the core values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability, and Excellence.
 

Qualifications

5 years experience managing or supervising union staff
Experience with the professional maintenance of turf (grass) surfaces for competition purposes

Advanced knowledge of track surfaces (soils and turf) and related issues and machinery

Advanced knowledge of horse racing industry

General to advanced understanding of the operational and regulatory structure of horse racing

General knowledge of union contracts and human relations

Advanced interpersonal, communication, leadership, organization and management skills

Must be flexible and innovative

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Be Yourself.

We believe differences should be valued and celebrated. By building diverse and inclusive teams, we strive to provide a more authentic and empowering work experience that unlocks the potential of our people. Regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, we believe everyone has the right to express their ideas, ambitions, and pursue their goals with confidence and integrity. Diversity breeds innovation. We want people to think differently. Our commitment is to build a culture that welcomes everyone and leverages their unique perspectives to be a great entertainment company that shares the thrill of horseracing experiences with the world.