Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) conducts the commercial and regulatory functions of the harness racing industry in NSW. Operating under the Harness Racing Act 2009, HRNSW is chartered to operate autonomously of government in managing the strategic and commercial development of harness racing in NSW as a not-for-profit corporate body.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operational functions of HRNSW. The COO ensures the effective delivery of strategic and operational outcomes across multiple portfolios, including industry development, media and marketing, oversight of training centres and other HRNSW-owned properties, club financial performance and governance, event management, and industry insurances. The role also includes leadership of HRNSW’s involvement in the national harness racing framework, particularly in relation to system enhancements and strategic alignment.
A key element of the role involves fostering strong relationships with government agencies and other stakeholders to support funding initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and access grant opportunities that drive infrastructure and program development across the harness racing sector.
Duties
The Chief Operating Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for:
- the operational management of HRNSW and its links to the industry
- training centres and other owned properties,
- media and marketing,
- event organisation,
- Industry development,
- race programming including the ratings system and budgeting,
- futurities,
- industry insurances
- oversight of club operations including finances and governance and
- The role will also involve some input and management of the industry’s national IT Platform
The position will ensure that all internal and external accountabilities relating to the organisation and industry are met, timely and are of a high standard. The COO is supported by a team of thirteen staff.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential:
Skills
- Involvement in financial planning processes for the business segments controlled by the COO and ensure effective planning cycles are aligned with the Strategic Plan and direction of the organisation.
- Ability to coach, mentor and counsel staff to achieve improved performance.
- Advanced ability to analyse data and to draw appropriate conclusions.
- Self motivated and ability to work within tight deadlines and with a high degree of accuracy.
- Superior written and verbal communications skills.
- Commitment to customer service and satisfaction as measured by the deliverables of the overall Business Unit.
- High level of computer literacy
- Commitment to working in a team environment and adherence to the HRNSW Staff Policy Manual and Code of Conduct.
- Demonstrated experience in senior executive management within a public or private sector organisation including exposure to the machinery of government and the other NSW racing codes.
- Significant experience and success in developing and managing a high performance service and participant focused organisation (or Division within an organisation).
- Demonstrated capacity to develop and implement strategic and business plans.
- Experience and ability to oversee a robust resource and performance management framework that effectively supports HRNSW’s operations.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively and strategically manage procurement and company contracts.
- Ability to work closely with CEOs, Senior Management and Boards
Experience
- 10 years senior financial management experience and managing a team is a must.
Qualifications & Licenses
- Graduate qualifications in business administration, commerce, accounting or a suitable related field.
- Eligibility for or membership of a professional body.
Desirable:
- Appropriate post-graduate qualifications will be highly regarded.
- Knowledge of/experience in not for profit sector.
- Knowledge of the racing industry.
Additional:
- Some out of usual business hours and on call work will be required including attendance at social functions, speaking engagements representing HRNSW.
- Undertake relevant and appropriate multi-functional duties as required.
- Undertake interstate/intrastate travel and attend races meetings as required.
- Possession and maintenance of a current NSW Driver’s Licence is essential.
- Directorship of HRNSW related entities and Industry bodies is/may be required.
Integrity & Probity Requirements
The Chief Operating Officer position requires a high level integrity and probity requirements for which the following conditions apply:
- A Probity Assessment undertaken through NSW Police.
- Completion of a Pecuniary Interests Declaration and other Confidentiality Agreements.
The successful applicant will be provided a remuneration package based upon their relevant experience.
Applications
Please send applications by 5pm, Monday 2 June 2025.
For further information please call Mr Peter Carney on (02) 9722 6600
Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@hrnsw.com.au
or
Chief Operating Officer
PO Box 1034
Bankstown NSW 1885
