GROOMS JOBS BOARD

JOB TITLE: Yard Manager

SALARY: £25,500 - £27,500 per annum, depending on experience.

ABOUT US: Poplars Farm Equestrian is a small family run facility dedicated towards providing top-tier care, and riding experiences for horse enthusiasts of all levels. Located in rural Burton-on-Trent Staffordshire, our spacious and well-maintained yard offers everything for both horses and riders. With 30 purpose-built stables consisting of both DIY and Full livery packages, where we pride ourselves on offering personalised services that cater to the individual needs of both horses and owners. Our 40x20 all-weather training arena and our 3-mile long cross-country course are some of the main highlights of our property providing riders with a challenging yet rewarding experience. Our facility accommodates for a wide range of horses, ensuring each one has a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment.

THE ROLE: We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Yard Manager to oversee daily operations at our growing livery yard. This role will involve managing the yard's services, overseeing a small team, ensuring excellent care for horses, maintaining the facilities, and implementing strategies for growth. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, a passion for horse care, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the business.

REPORTS TO: For minor matters report to Senior Partner (lives on site), for all other matters report to Managing Partner.

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Junior Groom/Apprentice Groom, Grooms & Head Groom.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Yard Management: Oversee the daily running of the livery yard, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, safety, and horse care. Maintain yard facilities and equipment, and ensure they are in good working order.

Horse Care: Supervise and carryout the general welfare needs of the horses, including feeding, grooming, mucking out, and ensuring their overall health. Monitor and report on the condition of horses under your care, liaising with veterinarians, farriers, and other professionals as needed.

Staff Supervision: Lead and manage a team of yard staff, including grooming, stable hands, and general assistants. Provide training, motivation, and support for staff to ensure high standards of care and customer service.

Customer Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients. Maintain positive relationships with horse owners, answering inquiries, addressing concerns, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Work to retain clients and generate new business by offering exceptional service.

Facilities Development: Work with the yard owner and management team to develop the yard's facilities and services as the business grows. This may include managing new projects, expanding capacity, or introducing additional services.

Administrative Tasks: Handle administrative duties including record-keeping for horses, booking services (e.g. arenas or cross country course), Send out regular communications to clients regarding updates, events, and other important information. Manage enquires via phone, email, and in-person interactions. Coordinate the work schedule for yard staff, ensuring adequate coverage for all shifts. Monitor and order necessary supplies for the yard, such as feed, bedding, grooming products, and other equipment.

Health and Safety: Ensure that the yard adheres to all health and safety regulations. Create and implement risk assessments and emergency plans. Provide staff with safety training and ensure proper use of equipment and facilities.

Business Growth: Collaborate with the yard owner to identify areas for growth, whether through additional services, partnerships, or promotional activities. Assist in marketing efforts to increase brand awareness and attract new clients.

Content Creation: Create engaging and informative posts showcasing yard activities, client testimonials, horse care tips, and any new services or offerings. This may include writing posts, taking photos, creating videos, and sharing updates about the yards growth and activities.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive as other duties may be required to meet the ongoing needs of the business.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in horse care and livery yard management, preferably in a growing or developing yard environment.
• Equine management qualifications desirable or relevant certification.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a small team and handle client relations.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively.
• Knowledge of horse care, including feeding, health monitoring, grooming, and mucking out.
• A strong understanding of health and safety protocols in an equestrian environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain positive relationships with clients, staff, and suppliers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic administrative and financial management skills (e.g., record-keeping).
• First Aid and Health & Safety training are desirable.
• Full UK driving license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Full-time position with flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as required.
• Physical demands will include lifting, working outdoors in all weather conditions, and managing a variety of tasks simultaneously.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with opportunities for career development as the yard grows.
• Opportunity to bring your own horse.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to info@poplarsfarmequestrian.co.uk