Date Posted: 08/01/2023 | Last Updated: 08/04/2023
Categories:
Accounting, Communications - Social Media, Customer Service, Dude Ranch/Hospitality, Manager - General, Manager - Private Farm, Sales/Marketing, Show/Event Staff
Positions Available:
Full Time
Annual Salary Range:
$85,000 - $89,999
Minimum Education Level:
Four Year Degree
Horse Breeds Associated With This Job:
Any Breed
Languages Required:
Any Language
Drivers license required?
Yes
Commercial drivers license required?
No
Will pay to relocate?
Yes
Height/Weight Specifications
(For riding positions only)
Height: ft in
Weight: lbs
Set on over 150 acres of the most picturesque land in the Low Country of South Carolina, this incredible resort & community is home to a varied and multi-disciplinary herd of community boarders and trusty trail/lesson horses! This unique facility boasts all of the creature comforts an equestrian could desire, including an indoor GGT arena, outdoor full size dressage court, oversize turf jump arena, cross country elements designed by an Olympic Eventer, and over 10 Acres of wooded trails. The stables are set within an expansive community which features a marina, world-class golf course, multiple restaurants, a 5* luxury hotel, and high-end waterfront homes. Currently the equestrian facility has a well-established, full-time staff of 20 to manage all of the daily aspects of horse care and tend to the client needs. This facility offers a variety of boarding options for community residents, lessons of all disciplines and levels, and a trail service for guests of the on-site hotel.
We are seeking a business-mined, experienced equestrian to take over the position of Equestrian Director at this incredible facility! This person will be a positive and versatile leader with a strong business sense to match their equestrian experience. The primary focus of this role is increasing the quality and profitability of the equestrian program within the community. This person should be knowledgeable with regards to structured Business Development. Experience with event planning and hospitality ventures will be looked on very favorably. This person will be responsible for the overall sense of community and pride within the Equestrian facilities and should be well equipped to converse with affluent clientele in a respectful manner. This person should be an expert at navigating difficult conversations with regards to horse care and emergencies. This person will be expected to participate in board meetings, and must keep their finger on the pulse of both short-term and long-term guests of the Equestrian Center. Ideally, this candidate is well versed in a variety of disciplines, and capable of conversing with the general public just as well as experienced equestrians.
Equestrian Responsibilities
- Evaluate current standards for care and implement change as necessary to ensure the highest quality experience for horses and guests
- Ensure the overall health and well-being of the horses in the program and communicate as necessary with vets, owners, and staff
- Ensure detailed medical and care records are kept of all horses on-site
- Take on the responsibility of being the "On call" individual in the event of an equine emergency or illness
- Communicate in a pleasant and timely fashion with boarders regarding questions, concerns, and overall experience with their individual horses
- Offer guidance on horse care, and evaluate lesson/trail horses for suitability in their current programs - implement changes as needed
- When necessary, assist in sourcing additional horses for the Center
- Ensure all equestrian facilities are maintained to the highest standards and safety of the horses on-site
*Current riding abilities a plus, but not required for this position
Client Experience Responsibilities
- Ensure a high quality experience for both short and long-term guests of the Equestrian Center through frequent engagement with the clientele and innovative approaches to community events and perks
- Conceptualize, plan, and market new activities and events to increase community engagement in the Equestrian Center
- Ensure information posted on website, brochures, and other marketing materials is accurate
- Maintain an open line of communication with clients regarding the well-being of their personal horses on-site
- Ensure boarding agreements are comprehensive and up-to-date with current state and federal regulations
Business Development
-Evaluate the different revenue streams (boarding, care costs, lessons, guided tours, events, camps, and clinics) to ensure maximum engagement and profitability
-Generate monthly reports and lead board discussions with regards to the overall profitability of the Equestrian Center
-Using statistical growth data and client feedback, develop annual business plans - including those for budgeting, growth, and long-term facility goals
- Ensure current financial SOPs are both accurate and efficient, and orchestrate changes when necessary
- Provide annual recommendations for high-quality preventative facility maintenance as well as a rolling 5-7 year capital expense forecast
- Communicate in a clear and timely fashion with other facets of the community as needed (Marketing, HR, Accounting, etc)
Employee Leadership
- Conduct regular performance reviews with the current staff to ensure engagement and quality of work
- Lead by example and offer training to staff on providing quality care as needed
- Work with recruiters on the sourcing and training of new staff when needed, assess when additional staff members are necessary to ensure quality care
Key Requirements​
*Must have managed a staff of at least 10 individuals
*Must have direct experience in Business Development in a formal business setting
*Must have several years of equine facility management experience
*Must have experience generating reports, drafting and presenting business plans, and managing multi-faceted budgets
*Must have experience planning events and facility improvement projects within a fixed budget
Benefits
-Medical Insurance
-Dental Insurance
-Vision Insurance
-Short and Long-term Disability
-Life insurance
-401k with Company Match
-Mental Health benefits
-Gym Memberships
-Employee Wellness Plan
Temporary (90 day) housing is available on-site while long-term solution is sourced independently in the area