Manager, Finance and Purchasing

Churchill Downs Incorporated•Louisville, KY

10d

About The Position

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility . www.ChurchillDowns.com. JOB SUMMARYThe Purchasing and Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement process, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring the efficient purchasing and management of goods and services. This role will also facilitate the reconciliation of invoices, maintain accurate records to support timely payments, and ensure adherence to budgetary and operational goals. The Purchasing and Finance Manager will work closely with various departments to streamline procurement operations and support the overall needs of the property.

Requirements

Excellent analytical, financial, problem solving, and strategic thinking skills.
Strong demonstrated leadership skills including ability to work with a diverse team.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize data.
Detail oriented, professional demeanor, strong organization and project management skills.
Excellent financial acumen.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with senior / executive management.
Excellent verbal and written communication / presentation skills.
Strong work ethic and ability to cultivate working relationships throughout the organization.
Strong ethics and compliance mindset.
Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting preferred.
A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in purchasing, finance, or related experience required.
Ability to obtain a valid Kentucky Racing License

Responsibilities

Manage the procurement process for Churchill Downs Racetrack, including sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services such as equipment, supplies, and maintenance services.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure competitive pricing, high-quality products, and timely deliveries.
Conduct regular vendor evaluations to assess performance and adjust contracts or relationships as necessary to meet organizational needs.
Ensure all purchases are compliant with company purchasing policies and procedures.
Facilitate the reconciliation of vendor invoices.
Work closely with the Finance team to ensure that discrepancies are resolved in a timely manner and that invoices are paid on time.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through efficient purchasing practices.
Monitor purchasing expenditures to ensure that they remain within the allocated budgets.
Proactively analyze trends in spending and recommend strategies to reduce costs or improve efficiency.
Oversee RFPs and be the first reviewer of all proposals received.
Ensure compliance with local regulations, industry standards, and internal policies related to purchasing and financial transactions.
Prepare and present reports on purchasing activity, cost savings, and invoice reconciliation progress to management.
Support the Finance team with capital expenditure budgeting as well as managing progress/spend.
Support the Finance team with monthly close activities, including preparing journal entries as necessary for purchasing related accruals.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in procurement and property management.
Work with various departments, including operations, maintenance, and accounting, to understand their needs and ensure that purchasing activities support the overall goals of the property.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and financial software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Concur, S/4 HANA).
Other duties as assigned.