Full job descriptionNKC Hadlow College is seeking an experienced, dynamic and industry-focused Equine Operations & Commercial Development Manager to lead the management and future development of our highly regarded Equine Centre.
This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious equine professional to play a pivotal role in shaping one of the South East’s leading land-based education facilities. Reporting to the College Principal, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for the welfare, management and development of the College’s equine facilities, resources and commercial activities, ensuring they support outstanding student learning experiences while driving operational excellence.
As the strategic and operational lead for the Equine Centre, you will oversee the day-to-day management of the College’s horse population, equine resources and facilities, maintaining the highest standards of horse welfare, health and safety, compliance and yard operations. You will work closely with the Head of Curriculum (Equine) and academic teams to ensure practical resources effectively support the delivery of high-quality education and training programmes.
You will provide leadership and direction to the equine operations team, including the management and development of Deputy Equine Yard Managers and wider support staff. A key aspect of the role will be identifying and driving opportunities to enhance commercial performance through industry partnerships, events, competitions, facility utilisation and income-generating activities that strengthen the College’s reputation within the equestrian sector.
The successful candidate will possess substantial experience within the equine industry, with a proven track record of managing equine facilities, teams and resources. You will demonstrate excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills, alongside a thorough understanding of horse welfare, yard management, compliance and health and safety requirements. Experience of developing commercial opportunities, building industry relationships and leading operational improvement initiatives would be highly advantageous.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for horses with strategic leadership, helping to shape exceptional learning environments whilst supporting the development of the next generation of equine professionals.
If you have the vision, expertise and enthusiasm to lead a thriving Equine Centre and drive its continued success, we would love to hear from you.
The Role:
Where you’ll work: This role is based at NKC Hadlow College.
Your hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum
Your pay: £40,369 per annum
The Group:
North Kent Colleges Group is proudly rated as an Ofsted ’Good’ provider, with ’Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four colleges across Kent (Dartford, Gravesend, Hadlow and Tonbridge) and over 6,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.
The Benefits:
In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following as Equine Operations & Commercial Development Manager at NKC Group:
*33 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts).
*Enrolment onto the Local Government Pension Scheme.
*Access to free parking and a number of onsite facilities, including gyms, restaurants and coffee shops.
*CPD days and access to several discount memberships through being an employee at a College.
How to Apply:
If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent Colleges Group staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.
Please note the closing date for applications is 26 November 2026.
North Kent Colleges Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ’Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment. Posts at the College, a specified establishment where the work gives opportunity for contact with children, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ’Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to complete and submit prior to their interview a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Further guidance / information from the Ministry of Justice can be found on GOV.UK.