CAREER OPPORTUNITY: GROUP STADIUM AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

GRI

Location: Shelbourne Park Stadium, Dublin.
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: Regional Stadium and Commercial Managers, Sales Executives and designated Hospitality and Event Manager.

About us

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ)/Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) is the Commercial Semi-State Body for the greyhound racing industry in Ireland, managing and licensing operations at 14 greyhound racing stadia across the country. It is responsible for the governance, promotion and development of Ireland's greyhound racing industry and sport. It is funded partly by the Government but has a very significant reliance on commercial turnover to underpin its business. Greyhound Racing Ireland is, along with Horse Racing in Ireland, fully supported by the Government in the Programme for Government and has a strategic mandate to develop the business of greyhound racing. The organisation is multifaceted through its commercial business operations, delivery of year-round racing program, acting as a regulatory body for the industry including laboratory and care and welfare programs and working with all greyhound racing industry stakeholders across owners, breeders, trainers, RCÉ operated and privately operated stadiums and wide business and community connections.

A more detailed information booklet on RCÉ/GRI and the role is included with this Job Description for candidates’ reference.

Role Overview

The Group Stadium and Commercial Director will manage and deliver commercial growth, profitability and viability of RCÉ/GRI business across its 9 stadia, overseeing organisational strategic commercial development and associated operational management. This role demands a forward-thinking leader with a strong commercial mindset, ensuring that each venue is financially successful, operationally efficient, and delivers exceptional experience for fans, tenants, and stakeholders. You will be responsible for driving commercial growth and optimising stadium operations.

The role is a full-time position, 37.5 hours per week, over 5 days, which would be agreed with RCÉ but would have a requirement to be across Monday to Sunday, to respond to commercial operations of the business.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Strategic Development

Lead the commercial strategy across all 9 stadiums, ensuring sustainable revenue growth and financial stability.
Provide senior leadership as an Executive Team member, contributing to long-term business planning.
Develop and execute strategic plans for each stadium’s operation, business and attendance level growth and commercialisation.
Ensure stadiums are positioned as leading venues within their respective markets.
2. Commercial Management & Revenue Growth
- Sponsorship & Partnerships:
○ Develop and secure high-value sponsorship and commercial partnerships to maximise revenue.

○ Create innovative commercial packages tailored to corporate sponsors and partners.
- Hospitality & Premium Experiences:
○ Oversee the design, pricing, and marketing of premium seating, VIP experiences, and corporate hospitality offerings.

○ Ensure hospitality and events meet the highest industry standards, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Raceday & Non-Raceday Revenue:
○ Optimise food & beverage (F&B) strategies, exploring in-house and outsourced catering models.

○ Develop non-race day revenue streams, including alternative sporting focused and entertainment events, conferences, and private events.
- Ticketing & Fan Engagement:
○ Work with marketing teams to implement data-driven pricing strategies and promotional campaigns.

○ Enhance the fan experience through innovative ticketing, membership, and loyalty programs.

Sales and Business Growth:
- Develop and deliver annual year on year growth in racing and associated hospitality attendance and turnover through innovative customer focused sales campaigns.
- Maximise utilisation of all stadia by community, sporting, charity and fundraising based organisations in a manner that grows attendance, turnover and partnerships of reciprocal value.

3. Stadium Development & Operations

Inform stadium design to ensure optimal commercial opportunities, including retail, hospitality, and event spaces.
Work with operational teams to ensure world-class venue management, safety, and compliance standards.
Lead sustainability initiatives to ensure environmentally responsible stadium operations.

4. Financial Management & Performance Analysis

Develop and manage multi-year budgets, ensuring commercial viability and cost efficiency.
Monitor financial performance, setting and achieving key commercial KPIs.
Provide strategic financial oversight on investments and operational expenditure.
Work closely with finance teams to optimise revenue models, sponsorship valuation, and forecasting.

5. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing Commercial & Stadium Management Team.
Engage with key stakeholders, including industry-based organisations, state agencies, business partners, investors, sponsors, and corporate based bodies.
Act as a senior representative for commercial discussions, securing long-term partnerships and business opportunities.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience & Expertise

Proven track record in commercial strategy and sales, revenue growth planning and delivery and operations within stadiums, arenas, large-scale venues and/or the commercial hospitality sector.
Proven track record in leading and successfully managing a multi-location team and venues with a commercial revenue, sales growth and profitability focus.
Strong background in sponsorship sales, partnership development, and premium hospitality management.
Deep understanding and experience of stadium or hospitality-based operations, engagement, and race/matchday and event logistics.
Excellent financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and financial performance metrics.
Strategic thinker with a natural ability to innovate and identify commercial opportunities.
Strong leadership skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
Knowledge and interest in the Irish greyhound racing industry.
A 3rd level qualification is required.
Full National Driver’s License.

Key Competencies

Strategic Vision: Ability to develop, secure commitment to and deliver transformational commercial strategies into real-world success.
Commercial Acumen: A deep understanding of business development, revenue generation, and profit maximisation
Leadership & Influence: A natural leader who inspires, engages, and builds high-performing teams.
Negotiation & Relationship Building: Excellent ability to close sponsorship deals, build corporate partnerships, and manage key stakeholders.
Operational Excellence: Knowledge of stadium infrastructure, event management, and customer experience best practices.
Financial & Business Management: Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills.