Ref: JL117823

Job Description

UPDATE – Sweet, 2 bed log cabin accommodation now available! Two bedrooms, shower room, open plan living, veranda, and garden space

*8 am – 4.30 pm daily  *5 days a week *Salary IRO £28-£32K neg according to experience and qualifications *Fabulous career opportunity *Partner welcomed

Thriving UK charity promoting the aims of Riding for the Disabled by providing people with the opportunity to ride and have equine interaction to benefit their health and well-being is now looking for a Centre Manager with a recognised teaching qualification and relevant practical experience, to take overall responsibility.

The Centre has helped many disabled children and adults over the years and some have gone on to become National and Olympic Champions in the sport of Para-Dressage, (including Sophie Christensen, Natasha Baker, and Julie Payne). Their volunteers and instructors help children and adults with a range of disabilities get a sense of independence as well as exercise and rehabilitation. The yard has 11/12 horses and 4/5 staff and numerous keen volunteers.

The coaches, in partnership with physiotherapists and volunteers, work with riders who have a variety of disabilities. These include learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, paraplegia, rheumatoid arthritis, Down’s syndrome, epilepsy, deafness, visual impairment, and limb amputation. For some, who cannot ride just being around horses has a well-being benefit.

Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees you will have good interpersonal skills, and previous management experience (people & yard including administrative abilities.)  You will be someone who leads by example whilst working harmoniously with and for others. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, you will be able to demonstrate maturity and diplomacy as well as embrace full accountability for the day-to-day running of the centre. Ideally, you will be passionate about working in this type of environment and understand both the human and equine challenges faced as well as the fun on offer!

This purpose-built centre means riding and horse-based activities can be offered throughout the year. Riders can join groups or have private tuition. Facilities include a 20 x 40 indoor arena and a 20 x 60 outdoor arena. Also a classroom for lessons on horse management.

Your remit will include,  but is not limited to the following: General Responsibilities, Estate and horse management Responsibilities, Administrative Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities:

• To carry out the duties of the position in accordance with the Group’s Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety policies, disciplinary legislation and statutory regulations
• To ensure compliance with all Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection standing orders, confidentiality agreements, financial regulations, management policies and procedures.
• To be an ambassador for the Group, and represent the interests of the Group, at external events.
• To represent the interests of the Group in all of its dealings with riders, potential riders, volunteers, Group supporters, Group visitors and suppliers.
• To actively support fundraising and revenue generation in collaboration with the Hon Treasurer or other Trustees
• To carry out any other duties within the level of responsibility as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
• To facilitate full and free communication at all levels and among all members of the centre.
• Safe, secure, effective and efficient operation of the facility
• Implementation of the policies and procedures established by the board.
• Line management responsibility for staff and overall responsibility for volunteer helpers, riders and other users of the yard.

Estate and horse management Responsibilities:

• To care for the welfare of the Centre’s ponies and horses and ensure that they are kept fit, healthy and at a suitable standard for RDA riding and disabled sport dressage sessions.
• Ensuring that the animals are provided with the appropriate feeding, watering, grazing, exercise, veterinary care and shoeing regime.
• Inspecting the ponies and horses for possible injuries, infections or disease and taking the necessary measures to ensure the animals’ well-being.
• Administering preventative or remedial medicines
• To oversee and guide the preparation of ponies and horses for RDA training sessions including grooming and tacking up with specially adapted tack.
• To ensure the maintenance and good condition of all tack and equipment.
• To ensure that pasture and grazing are managed efficiently and to a high standard and that all riding surfaces are maintained to an agreed standard set by the Board.
• To adopt an agreed schedule of work ensuring 24-hour, 365 days a year cover.
• To ensure that all machinery is maintained according to the manufacturers’ guidance/legislation.
• Ensure that the horsebox is regularly maintained, serviced, taxed and MOT’d and that the insurance and breakdown cover is renewed annually.
• Training Responsibilities
• To instruct the Group’s disabled riders as required, working with them to set their riding goals and timescales and to determine how those goals can be reached
• To coach the group’s trainee instructors (along the BHS and RDA Coaching pathway qualifications), and to work with them to determine how long-term goals can be reached.
• To continuously develop and support current RDA instructors.
• To advise on and support training and regular evaluation of Group volunteers.
• To form part of a knowledge and training base for Group riders and instructors.
• To attend training events and take part in on-site training, to constantly update and build own knowledge and skills, for dissemination throughout the Group.
• To organise and run shows and events at the Group

Administrative Responsibilities:

• To provide work plans and support for directly managed staff and supervise their execution.
• To create, facilitate and monitor personal motivation and development plans for each member of staff and where appropriate, volunteers and helpers.
• To oversee the maintenance of records of staff attendance, illness, holidays and other activities so as to ensure correct remuneration.
• To ensure that feedstock, bedding, veterinary, and farriery needs and supplies are maintained at the correct level.
• To oversee the payment of invoices and maintenance of proper records of all transactions.
• To manage the maintenance, repair, and development needs of SBRDA resources, including stables, fences, jumps, etc. and the mechanical horse
• To ensure that the centre runs in compliance with current health and safety regulations, including fire.
• To ensure safe working practices are adhered to and the welfare of animals is protected at all times.
• To draft annual plans for the Centre, consistent with direction from the Board of Trustees and supported by budgets and once approved by the trustees, to monitor, regularly report progress and maintain tight fiscal control of their implementation.
• To oversee the Group’s Social Media profiles.

Please call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com