General Manager,

Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society,

The Showgrounds, Clifden, Co. Galway, H71 YA09

Reports to:

Chairman and the Board of CPBS

Liaison with:

Members of the board; Company accountants; Company HR Advisors

Direct Reports:

All employees of CPBS

Main duties & responsibilities

Will include, but are not confined to the following:

As the executive head of the organisation, the General Manager is responsible for leading and managing its performance and the achievement of its strategic objectives. The General Manager will ensure compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements on behalf of the organisation and will lead the delivery of high quality and safe services, for all staff and clients.

The General Manager will represent the Board and the organisation at public events as well as in dealings with statutory agencies, stakeholders and other bodies with regard to matters relating to funding or development of CPBS.

The General Manager is required to be flexible in the position and to work with the Board of Directors as the role evolves over time. Services will need to be adapted to respond to emerging needs of clients and other changes and developments in the wider context of policy.

The General Manager will provide support and advice to the Board to assist the Board to carry out its functions.

The main responsibilities of the role are:

Provide vision, direction and leadership to the organisation and its stakeholders, consistent with CPBS purpose and core values.
Supported by a management team, lead the operational performance of the organisation, in line with the objectives set out in the strategic plan. The General Manager has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all services are planned and delivered in accordance with the highest standards of probity, efficiency, safety and best practice.
The General Manager will implement strategic and other policies and directives of the Board and will report directly to the Board at its meetings and through the activities of its committees.
The General Manager will ensure that the business and financial planning activities of the CPBS are responsive to need and protect the long-term sustainability of the group.
Compliance with governance, regulatory and accreditation policies and procedures on an ongoing basis will be treated as a priority by the General Manager and the person will proactively manage all legal agreements and requirements, in the protection of the interests and reputation of the organisation.
Responsibility of management, hiring and firing of staff
Responsibilities in particular areas include:

Corporate Governance:

Support the Board in delivering its long-term strategic aims and lead all reviews of the strategic plan
Ensure policies and procedures covering all aspects of the organisation’s operations are reviewed on a planned basis or as necessary, as circumstances dictate
At Board meetings, account to the Directors on organisational performance
Ensure adequate compliance and control systems are in place to mitigate risk and, where necessary, identify and escalate risk appropriately to the Board

Financial and Service Management:

Oversee the financial management of CPBS and ensure that the human, material and financial resources which the organisation requires to operate safely, effectively and efficiently are available
Produce an annual budget for approval by the Board and monthly management accounts which clearly demonstrate activity and performance against the stated budget.
Promote and actively manage positive employee relations in line with the purpose and values of the organisation, as well as current legislation and best HR practices. Organisational Performance:
Be responsible for promoting a culture of excellence in the delivery of services and the attainment of accreditation
Ensure appropriate management performance and control systems are developed and implemented throughout the organisation
Develop an annual service plan and ensure its implementation and that specific targets are met

Communications:

Protect and enhance the organisation’s strong brand and reputation
Represent CPBS publicly and build on the existing relationships with stakeholders and relevant agencies
Oversee, with the Communications manager, all marketing and promotional messages and advertising for CPBS, across all media
Be an appropriate ambassador and spokesperson for the CPBS

General duties of all employees:

To attend work regularly, promptly and agreeably.
To carry out all duties as directed.
Meet and greet clients and concerned persons in a professional and courteous manner.
Ensure confidentiality at all times.
Familiarise yourself with the Safety Statement of the company and comply with all health & safety procedures and regulations.
Comply with all in house rules and regulations as may be notified to you from time to time.
Attend training courses and programmes when requested to do so.
You may be required to travel to and work at other locations as part of your normal duties.
Be aware and comply with all security procedures and protocol when opening and closing premises.
Maintain the work area in a clean and tidy manner
Maintain all equipment in good working order.
To carry or promote all products/services which this company, or associated companies, offers to their markets.
Products and range of products, services and/or documentation may be changed from time to time at the discretion of the management and without prior notice.
As necessary working hours and times may be altered by management to facilitate travel and other requirements or our service demands.
Promote the interests and reputation of the CPBS and not do anything which is or may be harmful to it.
Be available when required to carry out work on an emergency basis outside normal working hours
All documentation must be carefully filled out and returned in accordance with Company procedures.
Any other duties that may be required from time to time.

Social Conditions:

Must be office based for first 6 months of employment following which a hybrid arrangement can been considered (working a minimum of 3 days per week in the office).
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday
Core working hours are 9am – 5.30pm. As a Senior manager position, the role holder is expected to manage hours of work in line with business needs.
Saturday and Sunday are not regular working days, however there are a number of Society events held on Saturday/Sunday/Public holidays each year, where attendance is required.
Salary: €58-€70K per annum, depending on experience.

Please Note: This Job Description is not neither definitive nor restrictive and may be modified or added to in the future to meet changing needs.

Closing date: Friday 01/05/2026