Racing Australia is the peak body for Australian breeding and racing consisting of the six State and two Territory racing authorities which are recognised by the Australian Rules of Racing as Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs).

This industry is one of the iconic industries of the nation with a long and proud history of achievement. As an industry, their economic contribution is around $13.5 billion with 51 per cent (or $6.9 billion) of economic activity generated in regional Australia. The Thoroughbred racing industry provide jobs for approximately 75,000 Australians and nearly 160,000 participate in the Thoroughbred racing industry as a participant, employee or volunteer - 63 per cent of whom reside in regional areas. This includes 21,425 volunteers who assist and support racing clubs and participants. No industry or sport covers the breadth of Australia like Thoroughbred Racing.

The Role

Although Racing Australia’s internal team is modest, the industry it represents is significant in scale, complexity, and national importance. This role offers a unique opportunity for a highly capable executive to work closely alongside the incumbent CEO, CFO and other team members, gaining deep operational knowledge of the organisation, industry, and stakeholder environment before being considered as a potential successor when the CEO role is expected to become vacant due to retirement in approximately 12 months.

This is a rare leadership prospect for someone who is equally comfortable being hands-on in daily operations while also possessing the executive capability, strategic mindset, relationship development and management, political astuteness and industry presence required to step into a future CEO role.

The COO will play a critical role in supporting current operations, strengthening organisational performance, and building trusted relationships across the industry, government, Board, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

- Lead day-to-day operations to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery across all functions.
- Improve systems, processes, governance, financial oversight, and organisational performance to deliver the best possible services to the Thoroughbred racing industry and participants
- Oversee key industry programs, board sub-committees,



and in conjunction with the CTO and CFO; HR/OHS, racing and breeding materials and technology initiatives

Executive Development & Succession

- Shadow the CEO to build a deep understanding of the organisation, industry, and strategic priorities
- Develop a deep understanding of the national racing industry, key participants, governance structures, and commercial drivers
- Develop trusted relationships with national and international stakeholders, industry leaders, and government.
- Prepare to transition into broader executive leadership with a pathway to future CEO succession.

Strategic Leadership

- Contribute to strategic planning, industry development, and long-term organisational sustainability.
- Support the CEO and Board in delivering growth initiatives, policy development, and major projects.
- Lead organisational change, innovation, and continuous performance improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement

- Build and maintain strong relationships with participants and key industry stakeholders
- Support growth, retention, and engagement strategies
- Represent the organisation professionally across industry forums, meetings, and events
- Assist with public relations, stakeholder communications, and industry advocacy

Governance & Board Support

- Support the CEO in Board engagement, reporting, and governance responsibilities
- Assist in preparing Board papers, strategic recommendations, and executive reporting
- Ensure compliance with governance obligations, policies, and regulatory requirements
- Contribute to risk management and organisational accountability

Leadership & Culture

- Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and values-driven workplace culture
- Provide leadership and support across the small executive team and broader organisation
- Lead by example with professionalism, accountability, and strong stakeholder focus

Skills & Experience

- Proven senior executive leadership experience, ideally as a COO, General Manager, Executive Secretary/Manager,



or equivalent
- Strong operational leadership capability with a hands-on management style
- Demonstrated ability to work across both strategic and operational responsibilities
- Experience in technology organisations delivering core industry services
- Experience engaging with Boards, senior stakeholders, and industry leaders
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability
- Excellent relationship management, communication, and influencing skills
- High levels of professionalism, judgment, and leadership maturity
- Ability to thrive in a small team environment with broad responsibility
- Ability to effectively prioritise and achieve with a “can do” outlook
- Experience within racing, racing or sporting administration, peak bodies, service delivery or outsource systems organisations, or industry associations
- Understanding of governance frameworks and stakeholder environments relevant to national sporting bodies
- Experience in CEO succession planning or executive transition environments
- Public relations, media engagement, and advocacy experience
- Government relations or policy development experience

Personal Attributes

- Natural leader with executive presence and credibility
- Hands-on, practical, and solutions-focused
- Strategic thinker with strong business judgment
- Highly adaptable and comfortable working across varied responsibilities
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust quickly
- Ambitious, resilient, and capable of stepping into significant leadership responsibility
- Passion for sport and contributing to industry leadership

Why Join Racing Australia?

This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership of a nationally significant industry peak body and work directly alongside an experienced CEO during a planned leadership transition.

You will gain unique exposure to the full breadth of executive leadership while making an immediate operational impact and positioning yourself as a strong future CEO candidate.

For an ambitious and capable leader, this role offers both immediate influence and exceptional long-term opportunity.

Please Note: Only applicants who live and work in Australia without visa / other restrictions will be considered.

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📌 Chief Operations Officer (New South Wales)
🏢 The Friday Group
📍 New South Wales