Vacancies

We currently have the following vacancies …

Head of Performance & Coaching

Horse Sport Ireland has commissioned JLB Search to lead the search for a new Head of Performance and Coaching. This is a full time position based in Ireland (including domestic and international travel), and reports directly into the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

About HSI:

HSI is recognised as the National Governing Body for the Irish Sport Horse sector. HSI unites equestrian sport and sport horse breeding under one governing body and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies for the development and promotion of an internationally competitive Irish equestrian industry, covering high-performance sport, breeding and production, coaching and education, sport and recreation.

HSI’s mission is to elevate Ireland’s global success in equestrian sport by developing world-class athletes, coaches, and equine partnerships, underpinned by strong governance, athlete-centred delivery, and a values-led culture.

HSI’s funding partners are the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Sport Ireland, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Sport Northern Ireland.

About the Role:

This is a rare opportunity to lead Ireland’s Olympic equestrian performance strategy and shape a legacy of coaching excellence, talent development, and international competitiveness. As the senior executive responsible for both high-performance and coaching, you will build a culture of accountability, innovation, and an athlete and horse first, welfare-led performance system from youth through to podium level.

Your leadership will shape Ireland’s Olympic pathway to Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032, and beyond. It will also be essential to maintain Horse Sport Ireland’s social licence to operate by ensuring our high-performance system reflects the highest standards of welfare, transparency, and public trust.

HSI Values & Culture:

Horse Sport Ireland is committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, inclusivity, collaboration, and care. We believe true performance is only possible in environments where people and horses are respected, supported, and safe.

We are building an athlete and horse-first, welfare-led performance culture. This means placing long-term development, ethical coaching, and athlete wellbeing at the heart of our systems. We seek a leader who will champion these values in their leadership and decision-making.

Role Purpose

The Head of High Performance and Coaching is a key executive leader within Horse Sport Ireland, responsible for the strategic vision, operational delivery, and coaching system integration across all high-performance disciplines. This role manages the delivery of Horse Sport Ireland’s senior and youth performance programmes, implements the recommendations of the Paris 2024 internal review, and ensures alignment with Olympic and Paralympic objectives. The role also manages internal high-performance operations staff, all external High Performance Service Suppliers (HPMs), and the HSI Coaching Manager.

Main Responsibilities

  • Lead the execution of the post-Paris 2024 internal high-performance review
  • Oversee the development and delivery of integrated performance pathways
  • Align all systems with long-term Olympic and Paralympic goals across discipline
  • Provide strategic leadership of the Horse Sport Ireland Coaching Programme
  • Oversee the HSI Coaching Manager responsible for the delivery of Intro, Level 1, 2, and 3 Coaching Programmes and the education and development of high-performance coaches
  • Broaden coaching education to include athletes, owners, and performance support personnel where appropriate
  • Promote a consistent, values-led coaching philosophy across the Irish equestrian system
  • Line manage all external high-performance service suppliers and High Performance Managers (Jumping, Eventing, Dressage, Para-Dressage) and internal operations staff
  • Set, monitor, and evaluate KPIs to ensure accountability and high standards across all programmes
  • Attend key events to assess programme delivery and leadership impact
  • Lead the design and sustainability of HSI’s performance programmes
  • Ensure coaching and performance structures support talent identification and athlete progression Monitor athlete progression and adjust pathways to support long-term development
  • Ensure integration of sport science, veterinary, mental performance, and strength and conditioning
  • Align athlete support services with coaching strategy and performance goals
  • Manage high-performance and coaching budgets in collaboration with the COO and CFO
  • Ensure effective and transparent use of financial resources across all levels
  • Lead the preparation and submission of the Sport Ireland investment application
  • Ensure compliance with Sport Ireland frameworks, KPIs, and governance standards
  • Represent Horse Sport Ireland with Sport Ireland, affiliate bodies, FEI, and other international partners
  • Engage proactively with athletes, coaches, owners, and support personnel
  • Serve as the public representative of HSI’s high-performance and coaching leadership
  • Champion a culture of safeguarding, welfare, and ethical performance
  • Uphold HSI’s commitment to a people- and horse-first, welfare-led performance culture
  • Work with the COO to maintain strong governance and compliance across all programmes
  • Successful implementation of post-Paris 2024 programme and coaching redesign
  • Improvements in international performance outcomes and athlete satisfaction
  • Coaching framework embedded and consistently applied across disciplines
  • Clean audits and positive feedback from Sport Ireland and stakeholders
  • Clear evidence of welfare-led culture across the high-performance system
  • A relevant bachelor’s degree (e.g. Sports Science, Sports Management, Business, Education, or a related field)
  • Proven high-performance leadership experience in Olympic, Paralympic, or elite professional sport
  • Strong understanding of athlete development, performance planning, and coaching systems
  • Demonstrated ability to lead education and development of coaches, athletes, and support staff
  • Skilled in managing multi-disciplinary teams and leading organisational change
  • Budget and investment oversight experience
  • Qualifications in Sports Performance, Coaching, or High-Performance Leadership
  • Familiarity with equestrian sport or FEI performance environments
  • Experience working with Governing Bodies or high-performance sport agencies
  • Strategic and operational leadership
  • Coaching programme design and evaluation
  • Financial oversight and investment management
  • Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy
  • Athlete and equine welfare leadership
  • Governance, ethics, and accountability

The closing date for applications for the role of Head of Performance and Coaching at Horse Sport Ireland is Wednesday July 30th, 2025 at 5pm.

JLB are retained on behalf of Horse Sport Ireland to appoint a Head of Performance & Coaching. All direct applicants should be sent to [email protected] with the Subject Line – ‘Head of High Performance | Horse Sport Ireland’

Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify you and will result in your exclusion from the process.

Careers at HSI

About the Organisation:

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is recognised as the National Governing Body for the Irish Sport Horse sector. HSI unites equestrian sport and sport horse breeding under one governing body. It is responsible for devising and implementing strategies for the development and promotion of an internationally competitive Irish equestrian industry, covering high-performance sport, breeding, and production, coaching and education, sport, and recreation. Our staff benefit from opportunities to work across a range of different departments in the key equestrian areas which we are responsible for.

Why Work for Us:

Horse Sport Ireland offer a range of competitive benefits for all employees including:

  • Competitive salary packages commensurate with experience
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth
  • A dynamic and collaborative working environment within a leading sports organisation
  • Remote and flexible working arrangements on offer
  • Employee Assistance & Wellness Programmes

If you wish to send in your CV to be considered for any upcoming vacancies, you are welcome to do so by emailing – [email protected]