Track Manager

Take responsibility for one of New Zealand racing’s most iconic tracks.

Wellington Racing Club is looking for an experienced, motivated and hands-on Track Manager to lead the preparation, maintenance and ongoing development of the racing surface and grounds at Trentham Racecourse.

Home of the Wellington Cup and more than a century of thoroughbred racing history, Trentham is entering an exciting new chapter under the independent operation of the Wellington Racing Club.  We are looking for someone who wants to be part of its future.

The Role

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Track Manager will have overall responsibility for the preparation, maintenance, safety and presentation of Trentham’s Course Proper, racecourse grounds and associated track infrastructure, ensuring race day and training surfaces are prepared to the highest standard and in accordance with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Track Preparation Guidelines.

This is a senior operational role, but very much a hands-on position.  You’ll lead our track and grounds team while working closely with NZTR, racing officials, contractors, suppliers and the wider Wellington Racing Club team.

You’ll be responsible for everything from long-term turf planning and irrigation management through to race day preparation, rail movements, machinery, grounds presentation and getting out on the tools alongside your team when required.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Preparing, maintaining and presenting the Course Proper, racecourse grounds and racing infrastructure for race days and training. 
• Managing turf, soil, moisture, irrigation, rail movements, renovation, fertiliser and spray programmes. 
• Developing and implementing annual course management, maintenance and improvement plans in line with NZTR requirements. 
• Leading the track and grounds team and managing contractors, suppliers and specialist service providers. 
• Overseeing machinery, equipment, preventative maintenance, assets and capital expenditure planning. 
• Managing budgets, purchasing, records, weather monitoring and forward operational planning. 
• Ensuring health and safety, regulatory compliance, track safety, consistency and horse welfare. 
• Working closely with NZTR, racing officials and other stakeholders while contributing to the Club’s wider track, infrastructure and strategic objectives.

About You

We are looking for someone with a strong turf-management knowledge, practical ability and the judgement required to prepare a racing surface where safety, consistency and horse welfare are paramount.  Previous racecourse experience would be highly regarded, but it is not the only pathway into the role. We would also welcome applications from experienced professionals from sports turf, golf, stadium, agricultural or similar environments who have the technical skills and leadership capability to make the move into thoroughbred racing.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Significant practical turf or grounds-management experience.
• Strong knowledge of turf establishment, maintenance and renovation.
• Experience with irrigation and moisture management.
• Experience operating tractors, mowers and grounds machinery.
• Leadership and staff-management experience.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Practical problem-solving ability and sound judgement.
• A strong health and safety focus.
• Good communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• A practical, solutions-focused attitude.
• The flexibility to work the hours that racing and turf management require, including early mornings, weekends and public holidays.

A qualification in Sports Turf Management, horticulture, agriculture or a related discipline would be advantageous, as would relevant chemical-handling certification.

What We Offer

A permanent, full-time position, with the flexibility to meet the demands of racing and turf management, and a competitive remuneration package including a WRC vehicle, mobile phone and laptop.

Why Trentham?

This isn’t simply a grounds-maintenance role.  It is an opportunity to become a custodian of one of New Zealand’s best-known racing surfaces and play a significant role in the future of Trentham Racecourse.  You’ll have the opportunity to lead your own team, influence future track and infrastructure development and make a visible contribution to Wellington Racing Club as we build the next chapter of Trentham.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience.

All applications will be treated in confidence.