People Operations Manager - The Jockey Club - Exeter/ Wincanton

People Ops Manager Exeter/ Wincanton | Full-Time / Permanent

£30000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

About the role

We are seeking a Peoples Operations Manager to support and drive the labour plan and HR service across Exeter and Wincanton Racecourses. This is a varied, hands‑on role where you'll work closely with operational teams to support recruitment, performance and employee experience across multiple venues. Support with rota planning, forecasting and labour cost control. Assisting with payroll processes ensuring accuracy and deadlines are met. This position is based at Cheltenham Racecourse, however regular travel to Exeter and Wincanton for live race days is essential. You will also be required to support race days at Cheltenham and other South West / Jockey Club locations as the business demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the right people are in place, trained to a high standard and ready to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Work closely with operational teams to support recruitment, performance and employee experience across multiple venues.
• Plan and manage staffing levels to meet event and operational needs.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of casual and permanent teams; build and maintain a reliable pool of event staff.
• Explore creative ways to attract and retain talent.
• Ensure new starters are compliant (Right To Work checks, documentation and onboarding).
• Act as first point of contact for HR queries, policies and procedures.
• Support managers with employee relation matters, including investigations and hearings.
• Maintain accurate and compliant employee records.
• Contribute to performance management and succession plans.
• Build key relationships with General Managers, Heads of departments, the wider home team and client partners.
• Support delivery of training plans and onboarding programmes.
• Help identify and develop future talent within the team.
• Ensure teams are trained to deliver a 5-star guest experience.
• Identify new ways to attract, retain and develop existing talent.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and high‑performing team culture.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across all venues.
• Encourage engagement and team development.
• Ensure all staff meet health & safety and legal requirements.
• Support H&S initiatives and maintain high standards across site.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability.

What We're Looking For

• Confident communicator who builds strong relationships at all levels.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in hospitality / events is desirable.
• Strong administrative and IT skills.
• Proactive, solution focused and adaptable.
• Ability to influence and support others effectively.
• Full UK driving licence (essential).

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!

#J-18808-Ljbffr