Churchill Downs

Vice President & General Manager

Churchill Downs$150K — $200K *
Hospitality & Recreation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration; MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in gaming or hospitality.
  • Previous experience as Casino General Manager or equivalent senior leadership role required.
  • Strong knowledge of gaming regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Advanced skills in financial management and business analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership across gaming, hospitality, and entertainment functions.
  • Drive financial performance and operational excellence to achieve guest satisfaction and team engagement.
  • Develop and implement business strategies to enhance profitability and market share.
  • Monitor and analyze financial performance to make informed business decisions.
  • Lead and coach a diverse workforce while ensuring alignment with Company standards.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive employee training and orientation programs.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within the company.
  • Employee engagement initiatives focused on culture development.
  • Access to competitive health and wellness plans.
  • Retirement savings plan options.
Full Job Description


JOB SUMMARY

The Gaming Operations General Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the Company's gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, entertainment, and ancillary operations for Calder Casino. This position is responsible for driving financial performance, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, guest satisfaction, and team member engagement while ensuring alignment with the Company's vision, values, and long-term business objectives.

The General Manager serves as the senior on-site executive and is accountable for developing and executing business strategies that maximize revenue, profitability, market share, and guest loyalty. This role oversees all aspects of property operations, workforce planning, culture development, capital improvement projects, and maintaining best-in-class operational standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide executive leadership and direction for all operational functions across diverse unionized teams while maintaining compliance with labor agreements, driving employee engagement, and achieving operational and financial goals.
  • Maintain a thorough and current understanding of applicable gaming laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure full compliance with all federal, state, local, racing, gaming, and company regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and execute strategic business plans designed to achieve financial, operational, and guest service objectives.
  • Drive revenue growth, profitability, market penetration, and operational efficiencies while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.
  • Ensure effective stewardship of Company assets and resources while maintaining a strong focus on return on investment.
  • Monitor financial performance of all areas against planned performance, taking action to improve performance where necessary.
  • Ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics are implemented and executed to evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Analyze financial statements, operational reports, market trends, and competitive activity to make informed business decisions.
  • Lead annual operating plans, budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure planning processes.
  • Review and approves cost control reports, cost estimates, and manpower and facilities requirements forecast.
  • Direct and oversee day-to-day operations through assigned department leaders; counseling, guiding to ensure consistent execution of Company standards and operating procedures.
  • Ensure procedures followed for all operating activities with special emphasis on regulatory compliance, safety, employee relations, guest relations, internal controls, and the security of Company funds and assets.
  • Develop specific short-term and long-term plans and programs, together with supporting budget requests and financial estimates.
  • Collaborate regularly with Company-wide operational departments and property teams to discuss comprehensive aspects of the operation, including financial performance, efficiency, and operational enhancements.
  • Provide orientation and on-the-job training for direct reports and ensures that the duties, authority, and responsibility for each position are defined and understood.
  • Develop and cultivate team member culture centered on guest service, engagement, safety, inclusion, integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Assess operations (internal practices, gaming procedures, promotions) and recommend appropriate action(s) in accordance with a sound marketing plan.
  • Establish and maintain effective channels of communication upward, downward, and laterally.
  • Uphold the highest personal and professional ethical standards and motivate others to do the same.
  • Ensure that all assigned departments are staffed with competent team members who have the skills and aptitude to meet our standards of excellence.


REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Comprehensive knowledge of gaming, hospitality, hotel, food and beverage, and entertainment operations.
  • Competent understanding of gaming regulations, compliance requirements, internal controls, and risk management practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-department and multi-property operations.
  • Advanced financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and business analysis skills.
  • Proven ability to interpret operational and financial data and translate insights into actionable business strategies and operational improvements.
  • Exceptional leadership, coaching, team-building, and talent development skills.
  • Strong strategic planning, organizational development, and change management capabilities.
  • Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize competing demands and make sound decisions in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to guest service excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Substantial marketing acumen and ability to apply knowledge to gaming operations.
  • Excellent attention to detail, ensuring reports are accurate, complete, and deadline-driven.


REGULATORY
  • Ability to obtain and maintain all racing and/or gaming licenses as required in applicable jurisdiction(s).
  • Must successfully pass all required background investigations and licensing requirements.
  • Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field (MBA level preferred).
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in gaming, hospitality, or related industries.
  • Prior experience as a Casino General Manager, Property General Manager, Vice President of Operations, or equivalent senior leadership role required.
  • Demonstrated success leading large-scale gaming and hospitality operations with responsibility for financial performance, regulatory compliance, team member engagement, and guest satisfaction.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Position entails extended periods of sitting and standing.
  • While performing the duties of this job, may frequently use hands to reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • May be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds).
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
  • The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, flashing lights, and may include exposure to smoke in various areas of the property.
  • Role is onsite unless on business travel.

About Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is a leading entertainment company that operates a variety of businesses, including horse racing, casino gaming, and online wagering. The company is best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Churchill Downs is committed to providing a world-class entertainment experience for its customers, while also promoting responsible gaming and supporting the communities in which it operates.
Learn more about Churchill Downs
Size
5,000 employees
Market Cap
$7.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$81.9 million
Founded
1875
5 Year Trend
+14.2%
Revenue
$1 billion
NASDAQ

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