Members of the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) and the British Horse Society (BHS) Society), Festina Lente Enterprises CLG is recognised as a world Leader in Equine Assisted Services for those with additional needs. In preparation for the expansion of our Equine Services at the new venue of The National Education Centre, Kilpeddar, Co. Wicklow, we are seeking to attract an experienced Yard Manager to join our team.

Position Description: To manage the yard and stables to the highest professional standard through overseeing the daily operation of the yard ensuring the wellbeing of equines, and the management of yard staff.

Department Name: Equestrian Learning Centre

Reporting to: Equestrian Learning Centre (ELC) Manager

Based at: Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre. The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow (relocating to Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow in 2 to 4 years).

Contract Type: Full-time Permanent, 39hr week (Sunday to Thursday)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Yard Manager will play a critical role in the following:

Timetabling Activities:

• Overseeing the allocation of all equines to the range of equine based activities
• Ensuring that equines are prepared and available for each activity
• Preparation of a daily timetable detailing equines allocated for each activity including turn-out time
• Liaising with accounts and administrative staff in relation to client accounts as may be necessary
• Ensuring lessons and various activities run according to timetables and deal promptly with any changes that may occur.
• Creating timetables for staff/volunteers

Equine Wellbeing and Welfare:

• Liaising with vets, chiropractors, dentist, farrier and other ancillary support professions in response to equine welfare and management
• Keeping records of all treatments given to horses
• Ensuring that hours worked for all equines is based on fairness, individual equine welfare and nature of the specific activity and where necessary discuss necessary changes with each staff member
• Ensure that appropriate turn-out time is made available for all equines
• To ensure equine welfare based on equine cognition and learning principles

Stable Operations:

• Ensuring that there are sufficient supplies available e.g. feed, hay and that supplies are ordered in a timely and cost effective manner
• Budgeting the annual table of the supplies and their costs, ensuring that financial procedures are followed in relation to all purchases,
• Review regular review of suppliers to ensure best value for money

People Management:

• Managing the work scheduling and performance engagement of all yard staff,
• Leading the onboarding, integration and training of yard staff, helpers, work experience placements and volunteers,
• Supporting the ongoing professional development of all yard staff via regular one to one meetings and bi-annual performance review meetings.
• Creating a positive and professional relationship with all staff working within the Equestrian Learning Centre.
• Implementing the Health and Safety procedures in accordance with the Safety Statement as well as ensuring all stable related activities are adequately risk assessed

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Proven experience in stable management ideally in an equine learning and therapeutic environment,
• Exceptional horsemanship skills with proven experience in equine schooling, including lunging,
• Proven experience in managing and motivating a large team of staff,
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills both individually and across a team setting,
• Strong intrapersonal skills including self-motivation, flexibility, tenacity, critical thinking and problem solving,
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups,
• Commitment to fostering a culture of social inclusion,
• Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.

Education and Experience

• An appropriate third level qualification in a related field e.g. equine management and equine science,
• Proven experience of horsemanship skills including horse training, horse care & welfare, equine nutrition, anatomy & physiology, equine transportation, facility management & maintenance and,
• Equestrian experience (min): proven experience of working with horses in a coaching/teaching environment in terms of horse behaviour, a solid appreciation of health and safety regulations as well as proven people management skills.
• Equestrian experience (desired): a relevant equestrian BHSAI qualification,
• Full and clean Irish driving licence.

Language: Fluent English

Work Authorisation: Ireland, required

Benefits of Employment:

Compensation: Salary will be reflective of experience and qualifications

Benefits Include:

• Access to a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) scheme
• Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
• Access to Educational Support
• 22 days’ annual leave
• Bike to work scheme
• On-site parking