The Irish National Stud– Chief Executive Officer

The Irish National Stud (INS)

The Irish National Stud is a commercial semi-state body established under the National Stud Act of 1945. The National Stud is located Tully Co Kildare on an estate of 870 acres, and its operations encompass thoroughbred breeding, stallions and the renowned Japanese Gardens, as well as the internationally recognised level 6 Thoroughbred Breeding Management course.

In recent years the Irish National Stud has successfully expanded the business portfolio to include a Tourism operation through its subsidiary, INS Commercial Enterprise (INSCE), attracting over 150,000 visitors to the Stud farm and Gardens each year.

The core mission is to promote Ireland as a world centre of excellence for thoroughbred breeding and care while upholding the highest standards of integrity. The Irish thoroughbred is renowned throughout the world, and the job of the Irish National Stud is to maintain and develop this reputation through world class breeding activities.

The Irish National Stud reports directly to the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine.

The Chief Executive Officer Opportunity

The Board of the Irish National Stud seeks to appoint an exceptional leader to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

As CEO, you will be responsible for the executive leadership and operational direction necessary to drive the growth of the INS and the INSCE. You will drive commercial performance and champion the organisation and the wider industry, in Ireland and across the world.

Reporting directly to the Chairman and the Board, you will have responsibility for the overall commercial performance of the Irish National Stud, and INS Commercial Enterprises, encompassing the stallion and bloodstock businesses, tourism activities, financial management and engagement with Government, industry and other stakeholders.

This is a full-time senior executive post for a fixed 7-year term.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute Irish National Stud multi- year strategic plans.
• Lead the commercial performance and development of the stallion, bloodstock and tourism businesses ensuring their sustainable growth and financial viability.

Industry & Governance:

• Ensure strict adherence to legislative functions, corporate governance, health and safety obligations, and the highest standards of equine and human welfare.

Commercial Growth:

• Oversee stallion and bloodstock acquisition, investment and portfolio decisions.
• Drive the development and expansion of the tourism and retail businesses.by growing visitor numbers and revenue, both domestically and internationally.

Stakeholder Management:

• Maintain trusted proactive relationships with sponsor Government departments (specifically Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), industry bodies, breeders, owners and the public.

Commercial and Financial Stewardship:

• Provide overall financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial controls and performance reporting.
• Oversee capital projects and capital expenditure, ensuring appropriate business cases, governance and financial control.

Operational:

• Lead and develop a diverse management team and the wider organisation, fostering a culture of high performance and integrity.
• Ensure and lead appropriate standards of governance, audit, risk management and compliance.
  

The candidate requirements:  

Experience:

• A minimum of five years’ senior leadership experience within the thoroughbred/bloodstock industry, supported by strong knowledge of the sectors and its commercial dynamics in Ireland and internationally.

Industry Knowledge:

• Deep appreciation for, and understanding of, the unique dynamics, economic importance, and cultural legacy of the Irish thoroughbred and bloodstock industry. Demonstrate understanding of key factors required to grow the tourism business to its full potential.

Commercial & Financial Acumen:

• Strong commercial experience, including responsibility for revenue growth, financial performance and strategic planning.
• Experience in complex financial management, capital projects, capital expenditure.

Influencing & Communication Skills:

• Board reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional communication, public relations, and political diplomacy skills with the ability to influence diverse national and international stakeholders.

Industry Passion & Insight:

• Deep understanding of the thoroughbred breeding, and bloodstock sectors.

Education:

• A minimum third-level degree in Business, Agriculture, Equine Science/Business or a related discipline.

What we offer:

The successful candidate will receive a competitive executive remuneration package aligned with Irish semi-state guidelines, alongside a comprehensive suite of benefits, including pension, health insurance, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within an organisation that has a strong international reputation and an ambitious future vision.

Application Process

Applicants are invited to submit an up-to-date CV together with a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Irish National Stud.

The cover letter should clearly explain why the applicant is interested in the position at this stage of their career and provide specific evidence of their experience and achievements in the thoroughbred industry and equine commercial enterprise.

To apply for this position please submit your CV and cover letter to nationalstud@osborne.ie before the closing date.

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