Description:
Being a part of the Hollywoodbets Purple Team is an opportunity to become a part of one of South Africa’s biggest success stories. From humble beginnings in Durban, Hollywoodbets has grown into a powerhouse brand operating across Africa and the United Kingdom. And that’s just the beginning. Our talented Team is on a mission to increase our global footprint, ready to take on any challenge because at Hollywoodbets, not even the sky is the limit. Join our Team and let’s reach for the stars.
We have an amazing opportunity for a Head of Turf & Track Performance Management. Do you think you have what it takes to be our newest Purple Star?
To lead and direct turf and track performance strategies across racecourses and training centres in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, ensuring consistent delivery of world-class racing surfaces that meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. The role provides expert oversight, guidance, and technical direction to regional turf managers and senior grounds personnel
With Hollywoodbets You Will:
Innovate and create as part of a like-minded, authentic Team eager to achieve goals.
Embrace challenges and the thrill of working in a vibrant and fast-paced industry.
Grow with our development plans and culture that allows you to further your career.
You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years’ progressive experience in sports turf or racetrack management, including experience in a leadership capacity.
- In-depth knowledge of warm-season turfgrass species and high-performance turf environments (e.g., racetracks, golf courses, or stadiums).
- Demonstrated track record of managing complex, multi-site turf operations.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently between regions.
What You’ll do for The Brand:
- Provide strategic leadership on all aspects of turf and track performance management.
- Conduct scheduled site visits to assess and evaluate turf and surface conditions.
- Advise senior grounds staff and turf managers on best practices in:
- Develop and implement annual maintenance frameworks and performance benchmarks.
- Monitor and analyse surface performance to enhance safety for horses and riders.
- Introduce innovations and sustainable turf management technologies.
- Oversee capacity building and skills development of on-site staff.
- Prepare performance reports, risk assessments, and action plans after each site engagement.
- Work collaboratively with racecourse management to align turf strategies with racing calendars and operational needs.
- Represent turf and surface integrity in cross-functional planning and review forums.
What You’ll Bring to The Team:
- Strategic leadership and advisory capability.
- Advanced technical knowledge in turf and surface science.
- Ability to influence and guide senior staff across diverse teams.
- Strong analytical, planning, and reporting skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
- Innovative, proactive, and solutions-driven.
Please be advised that should you not be contacted within 30 days, kindly consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years’ progressive experience in sports turf or racetrack management, including experience in a leadership capacity.
- In-depth knowledge of warm-season turfgrass species and high-performance turf environments (e.g., racetracks, golf courses, or stadiums).
- Demonstrated track record of managing complex, multi-site turf operations.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently between regions.
- Provide strategic leadership on all aspects of turf and track performance management.
- Conduct scheduled site visits to assess and evaluate turf and surface conditions.
- Advise senior grounds staff and turf managers on best practices in:
- Develop and implement annual maintenance frameworks and performance benchmarks.
- Monitor and analyse surface performance to enhance safety for horses and riders.
- Introduce innovations and sustainable turf management technologies.
- Oversee capacity building and skills development of on-site staff.
- Prepare performance reports, risk assessments, and action plans after each site engagement.
- Work collaboratively with racecourse management to align turf strategies with racing calendars and operational needs.
- Represent turf and surface integrity in cross-functional planning and review forums.
- Strategic leadership and advisory capability.
- Advanced technical knowledge in turf and surface science.
- Ability to influence and guide senior staff across diverse teams.
- Strong analytical, planning, and reporting skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
- Innovative, proactive, and solutions-driven.