Horse Care Team Leader
Piggots, South of Norwich

Full-time permanent contract - 40 hrs per week (including weekend working)
Salary: £25,251.20, rising to £25,875.20 on successful completion of the probationary period. Please note, these figures will be revised from 1st April 2025.

Are you a team leader looking for a new challenge? If the answer is yes, please read on.

Redwings is one of the largest horse welfare charities in the UK, where everything we do is for the love of the horse. Working for us means you can make a real difference in the lives of the horses in our care while being part of a supportive and progressive workplace.

If you have experience in team supervision and working knowledge of equine behaviour, training and welfare issues, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What can we offer you?  
•    A busy, supportive, team-working environment  
•    Ongoing development through training and mentoring with opportunities for progression  
•    Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme  
•    Premium pay rates on Sundays and Bank Holidays  

About the role
This role requires collaboration with the Senior Team Leader (STL) and Norfolk Sanctuary Farms Manager (NSFM) to lead the team, ensuring high standards of care and meeting the individual needs of each equine.
You will oversee the day-to-day execution of specific tasks and provide comprehensive leadership coverage as needed.

Key Responsibilities
Equine Care:
•    Assist with the daily operational needs of the centre by supporting colleagues and taking the lead in the STL's absence.
•    Support with staff allocation of daily duties and planning schedules.
•    Conduct checks as per checker protocols and report any concerns to the veterinary team.
•    Accurately follow instructions for feeding and medicating equines.
•    Provide additional care and management to equines under veterinary care while at the centre.
•    Ensure Health and Safety protocols are consistently followed.
•    Handle and train according to practices outlined by the Redwings Behaviour Team.
•    Use and operate vehicles and machinery safely.
•    Oversee the correct usage of all resources.

Administrative Duties:
•    Assist with maintaining administrative records, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations.
•    Inform Internal Welfare of horse movements and updates to the REMS database.
•    Assist in maintaining Cascade records.
•    Support the STL with recruitment, training, and probation needs of new starters through the mentorship scheme.
•    Assist the STL with appraisals and probationary reviews.
•    Promote the importance of communication and teamwork.

Duties in the Senior Team Leader's Absence:
•    Take the operational lead for the centre.
•    Allocate tasks and duties effectively.
•    Maintain concise and accurate records and databases.
•    Ensure adherence to correct procedures and protocols.
•    Oversee proper use of equipment and report any broken or damaged items.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria
1.    Broad experience in an equine management environment.
2.    Experience of team supervision, mentoring and delegation of tasks.
3.    Positive role model, able to lead by example.
4.    Working knowledge of equine behaviour, training and welfare issues.
5.    Ability to prioritise and to make intelligent decisions.
6.    Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
7.    Sound IT skills; ability to create and maintain accurate records/databases.
8.    Flexible approach to tasks and workloads; organised and methodical.
9.    A passion for equine welfare.
10.    Keen observational skills.
11.    A full, manual driving licence.

Desirable Criteria
1.    Formal qualifications in an equine related field.
2.    GDPR awareness.
3.    Administrative skills.
4.    Knowledge of stock monitoring.