Equine Team Leader – Newton Abbot

Equine Team Leader

About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the largest equine welfare charity in the South West peninsula dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of horses who have suffered neglect, abuse and trauma. We also deliver a range of Equine Assisted Services with our rescued horses. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has five sites across Devon, a clear five-year strategy and is ambitious for the future.

About the Role

We are recruiting for a Team Leader for our Beech Trees Sanctuary in Newton Abbot.

Beech Trees is our veterinary and welfare centre which is a fantastic facility and is the first point of call for all new arrivals to the Sanctuary.  It is a fully equipped veterinary hospital with its own operating theatre.  This facility means we can give all of our horses and ponies the best care possible.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week role (5 days out of 7) that also includes flexible out-of-hours coverage.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK.

Salary: G1 £25,206, pending pay review in April

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll take on the important task of ensuring the health and happiness of our horses, ponies, and employees at Beech Trees. Your responsibility includes creating a safe and clean environment, not only for our equine friends but also for our hardworking team and the visitors who come to see them. You’ll be integral in maintaining the high standards set by the Sanctuary in horse care, team training, and health and safety. Join us in this fulfilling role and make a real difference!

Caring for Our Equine Friends
You’ll collaborate with the Sanctuary Manager to maintain top-notch horse welfare, ensuring ethical handling and training practices align with our Equine Policies. Your role also involves upholding current Health and Safety guidelines and Sanctuary procedures, keeping our yard consistently safe and secure.

Supporting Our Team and Operations
You’ll work closely with the Sanctuary Manager to make daily operational decisions for horse care. Your responsibilities include ensuring the yard is well-stocked with supplies, implementing disease control measures, supervising pony training, and overseeing routine safety checks, including vehicle inspections, as needed.

Leadership and Management Responsibilities
You’ll play a key role in fostering a positive team culture and ensuring the well-being of our employees. This involves setting and maintaining high work standards, providing timely equipment training, and ensuring everyone is well-informed about procedures and risk assessments. You’ll also manage team scheduling, including night checks and emergencies, lead recruitment and induction processes, offer comprehensive support through regular catch-ups and one-on-one meetings, and support with performance reviews and disciplinary matters as needed.

What You Will Bring

We seek a self-motivated, positive, and caring individual who is adaptable and approachable. Your proven team leadership experience, confidence, and competence in equine care are highly valuable. If you have an L3 leadership qualification or are willing to undertake this CPD, you’re a perfect fit for our team. Join us with your unique qualities and skills to contribute to our equine welfare mission.

Vacancies Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form

Please download the documents below and attach them when submitting your application form.