Horsescotland is the national organisation for all equestrian sport and activity in Scotland and was founded in 1998 to enable the progression, performance and development of those in equestrianism to excel at what they do best while ensuring respect for the welfare and safety of horses and their people.

Today, that is very much still very much our purpose and we aspire to empower Scotland to be a leading, inclusive nation for horse sports and activities through:

Connecting the Scottish equestrian community
Collaborating with partner organisations and government
Enabling people, horses and places to prosper
Horsescotland endorses the principle of sports equality and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in equestrian activities has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in a respectful environment.

We have an exciting opportunity for a proven commercial professional to become our CEO - this is a part time role comprising of 20 hours per week, including travel where required.

The main purpose of the role is to ensure the sustainability of Horsescotland, leading on the delivery of our strategy, strengthening the relationships with our members and building partnerships with our key stakeholders.

Horsescotland is seeking to engage someone with experience of (or capability to) lead the growth of the organisation. A passionate and driven candidate with absolute integrity, a positive, proactive, and pragmatic approach, you’ll have a true belief in the values of Horsescotland and the services we offer.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering the operational activities of Horsescotland and ensuring the organisation meets the targets set out in the 2021 - 2025 Strategy. They will work closely with the Horsescotland staff and Board to deliver the operational plan and be expected to articulate and champion the Horsescotland vision, ensuring that the organisation is aligned with and has the shared purpose and focus to execute that vision. That may involve travel across Scotland and the UK and so a willingness and ability to travel are required.

They will work collaboratively with our Member Bodies to identify, develop and deliver shared objectives both nationally and internationally, enhancing the influence of both Horsescotland and our Member Bodies in promoting equestrian sport. This will include relationship building, influencing, and effective collaboration with British Equestrian, sportscotland, Government, Member Bodies, and other relevant organisations and partners.

They will champion and uphold the Horsescotland’s values and ensure a positive and inclusive organisational culture. This will also include ensuring that Horsescotland operates within best practice across all its activities, anticipating requirements from changes in legislation, and complies with policies and procedures approved by the Board and other stakeholders.

It should also be noted that due to the nature of the role, applicants will be subject to a PVG check.

Some key responsibilities for this role are:

Leading on the delivery of the strategic plan and delivering against agreed investment objectives.
Overseeing the day-to-day management of Horsescotland.
Driving improvements in Horsescotland’s culture and championing the values.
Enhancing relationships with our members and key stakeholders including sportscotland, The Scottish Government and British Equestrian.
Leading on the commercial development of Horsescotland including identifying additional revenue streams.
Providing regular updates to the Board on the financial and operational performance of the organisation.
Leading and managing the Horsescotland staff team, providing objectives and measuring performance.
Working with the Board to ensure that Horsescotland complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and appropriate best practice across all its activities including corporate governance and ensuring effective systems and controls are in place to conduct Horsescotland business.

Key Skills and Attributes

Experience and knowledge of the equestrian landscape in Scotland.
Experience of working in a leadership role, including working with a Board.
Experience of working with multiple partners, with diverse interests, including members, public funding bodies, corporate partners and sponsors, stakeholders and volunteers to achieve success.
A strong understanding of the governance structures and regulatory frameworks within Scottish sporting bodies.
A good understanding of how to promote equestrian sport.
A good knowledge of budgeting and spend control.
A good understanding of how to lead and develop a staff team.
A good understanding or policy and legislation development.
A good understanding of safeguarding and equality within sport.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to balance driving for results with instilling a culture of collaboration, team working, innovation and support.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to build trust and nurture and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Strong commercial capabilities and awareness including fundraising.
Proven record of influencing people and managing change within an organisation.
The ability to lead a team player with an open, transparent, and consultative style.
Strong planning and organisation skills, adept at managing change, at the appropriate pace, with a track record of delivery strategies.
Strong project management skills.

What we can offer

Part time, permanent (20 hrs per week)
£30,000 per year
Pension contribution
Optional private healthcare
Professional development opportunities
Flexible working
Remote working

How to apply CANDIDATES MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH EQUESTRIAN SPORT

Please send your CV and Covering Letter stating your suitability and location to emma@equine-careers.co.uk

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