Equine Team Leader – Upcott Park

Equine Team Leader

About the Role

We are recruiting for a Equine Team Leader for our Rehoming Sanctuary in Upcott.

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

Salary: G1 £26,481

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll take on the important task of ensuring the health and wellbeing of our horses and employees at Upcott Park. Your responsibility includes creating a safe and clean environment, not only for our equines 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 high standards in 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 and team management. Your responsibilities include ensuring the yard is well-stocked with supplies, implementing disease control measures, supervising horse 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, recruitment and induction processes, offer comprehensive support through regular catch-ups and one-on-one meetings, and support with performance reviews as needed. The role involves some travel, collaborative work with other yards and teams, and opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

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 ILM 3 leadership qualification or are willing to undertake this CPD, you’re a perfect fit for our team. You will have confidence in using computer software, including Microsoft 365. Join us with your unique qualities and skills to contribute to our equine welfare mission.

Why Join Us

Why Join Us

A Unique Environment

At The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, you won’t just find a job; you’ll become part of our equine sanctuary family. Our team culture is built on kindness, care, and knowledge.

Growth Opportunities

We’re invested in your growth. Whether it’s attending CPD sessions to expand your knowledge or pursuing leadership qualifications, we’re here to support you.

Competitive Package

We offer a competitive salary range along with the chance to work in a fulfilling and impactful role.

Ready to Take the Reins?

If you’re excited about leading a team of equine enthusiasts, ensuring exceptional horse care, and being a part of a compassionate community, we’d love to hear from you!  Please apply with CV and cover letter by Wednesday 12th February.

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.

Vacancies Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form

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

Application form Equal opportunities monitoring form

Apply Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Address*
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 8 MB.
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Explore Further

    Visit Our Sanctuary

    Connect with our rescued horses and ponies, hear their back stories and meet the knowledgeable grooms who care for them.
    Read more

    Get Some Advice

    We provide advice and support to horse owners or people who are thinking about getting a horse or pony. We also offer support to smaller equine welfare sanctuaries and other equine professionals.
    Read more

    Support the Charity

    We rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts to carry out our work. A donation today can help to sustain our ability to offer sanctuary for horses and ponies.
    Read more