LOCATION: Ranch 20 minutes from the outskirts of Calgary
REPORTING TO: President
TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent (45 hours per week)
On behalf of a client, we are seeking a Manager of Equestrian Operations to oversee and manage the well-being of client horses for a public ranch (living on-site). This incumbent will work closely with the clients as well as a larger stable staff to ensure the safety and general health of horses that are boarded on-site. Additionally, this incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the stable facilities meet the necessary standards for cleanliness, safety, and comfort for the horses. This role requires excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of equine behavior and physiology, and a genuine passion for the welfare of horses. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a high level of teamwork, initiative, flexibility, and reliability, and have a superb attention to detail and be always highly professional.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Participation in the health benefits program;
- Annual vacation entitlement;
- Competitive wage offering;
- Opportunity to board personal horse;
- On-site living; and
- Be part of a collaborative and high performing culture that provides ongoing growth opportunities and genuinely takes care of their people.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Oversee the day-to-day operational coordination of the equestrian facility, ensuring services, staffing, scheduling, and administrative functions are executed efficiently and consistently.
- Develop, document, and maintain operational processes, procedures, and training materials to support consistency, scalability, and business continuity across the facility.
- Coordinate guest accommodation turnover activities, including housekeeping, laundry, inventory management, and quality standards, while ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
- Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture by mentoring staff, supporting team leaders, and promoting effective communication and collaboration across the operation.
- Support business growth initiatives through marketing activities, social media engagement, community partnerships, promotion of facility services, and identifying opportunities to enhance occupancy and client engagement.
- Partner with ownership to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, enhance the client experience, and support the long-term development of the ranch and equestrian operation.
- Oversee the daily care of client horses, including feeding, grooming, turnout, blanketing and stall cleaning.
- Monitor horses for behavioural changes, while also inspecting to identify any health issues or problems and providing the appropriate medical attention and coordination of veterinary care, where required.
- Maintain detailed records of each horse’s health and performance.
- Ensures adherence to individualized feeding plans, and provide support with inquiries, where appropriate.
- Develop and maintain a positive rapport with clients and act as the primary point of contact for inquiries, scheduling, and updates regarding their horses.
- Address any concerns, questions, or requests in a timely manner.
- Manage inventory of feed, bedding, and other supplies, and replenish as needed.
- Hire staff, both permanent and seasonal, while keeping an eye on labour costs compared to revenue.
- Supervise and train stable staff members in proper horse care techniques and procedures, and providing feedback, as needed.
- Complete minor facility maintenance, where required.
- Manage general basic accounting work such as invoicing the clients in a timely manner and following up for payment, keeping track of additional charges, and budgeting.
- Communicate regularly with the ranch owner and management teams regarding financial matters or budgetary concerns.
- Manage and update the social media accounts, as needed.
- Oversee the planning and execution of events on site, including both employee and client events.
- Ad hoc projects and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to the above details, other qualifications include:
- Have a minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a related position.
- Experience working with horses and a strong understanding of equine care and management.
- Must have high attention to detail and be able to problem solve effectively.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating people, operations, schedules, and competing priorities within a customer-focused environment.
- Previous leadership experience involving staff supervision, training, coaching, and performance management.
- Experience developing operational procedures, training materials, or process improvements considered a strong asset.
- Experience with managing social media accounts considered an asset.
- Experience with event planning considered an asset.
- Experience with basic accounting skills considered an asset.
- Ability to lift 60+ pounds and perform physically repetitive tasks.
- Must be able to take initiative.
- Follow instructions precisely and adhere to established routines, processes, and procedures.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Own reliable transportation and hold a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history.
- Be courteous, discreet, honest, reliable, and responsible.
- Must be adaptable and flexible.
- Must possess a positive attitude.
- Must be legally able to work in Canada.
- Successfully complete a criminal and credit backcheck process.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $60,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- Housing allowance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Millarville, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Are you legally able to work in Canada?
- Are you open to living on site for the role?
Experience:
- Horse Management: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
