Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Yard Manager is responsible for

People Management:

• Managing the work scheduling and performance engagement of all direct reports,
• Leading the onboarding, integration and training of yard staff, helpers, work experience placements and volunteers in all related administration in support of same,

Equine Wellbeing and Welfare:

• Engage with and monitor equine welfare daily and make changes as necessary
• Oversee necessary equine training within the ELC in accordance with ESI principles
• 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

Stable Operations:

• Review regular review of suppliers to ensure best value for money

Record Keeping/Equipment Maintenance

• Maintaining accurate records for each equine, their treatments, and other relevant information.
• Accountable for scheduling routine maintenance of equipment as well as the documentation of inhouse safety inspections.
• Accountable for the administration of each ELC members induction pack

Seasonal Events

• Liaising with yard supervisor in support of yard operations in the planning and execution of key seasonal events.

Communication

• Communicating effectively with stakeholders (internally and externally), as well as visitors, volunteers, and staff members across the business.

Health & Safety

• Responsible for always demonstrating safety leadership within the team to the utmost standards of Health & Safety in accordance with the organisational policies and legislation,
• Implementing the Health and Safety procedures in accordance with the Safety Statement as well as ensuring all stable related activities are adequately risk assessed.
• Ensuring the safety of staff and visitors within the Learning Centre.

Training and Development

• Attending all designated training workshops as it pertains to equine skills development,
• Co-lead the team and staff meetings together with the Head of Vaulting & Equestrian Learning Centre.

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, clean Irish Driving Licence

Language: Fluent English

Work Authorisation: Ireland, required