Urgent Chief Executive Officer

Showjumping Ireland is the leading and largest equestrian sporting body in Ireland. With over 7,000 members, the organisation is responsible for the governance, promotion, and development of the sport at all levels — from grassroots competitors to international athletes.

To support this evolution, Showjumping Ireland is now seeking to appoint a dynamic and experiencedChief Executive Officer (CEO)to lead the organisation’s operations, drive performance against strategic goals, and ensure the highest standards of governance, transparency, and member engagement.

The Role
This is a pivotal leadership role, reporting directly to the Board. This role combines strategic oversight with operational execution to ensure the continued growth, relevance, and success of Showjumping Ireland both nationally and internationally.

The CEO must follow the broad strategic direction set by the Board of Directors and must ensure that all Board of Directors members have a clear understanding of the key activities and decisions related to the SJI, and of any significant risks likely to arise.

Key responsibilities include:

- Continue to grow membership through our existing base, enhanced interaction with broader equestrian community and stakeholders
- Ensure that competitions and activities are member focused with an enhanced customer experience
- Support our members by continuing to develop structures so that we can produce world class athletes with a sustainable performance coaching structure, facilities and support staff
- Expand participation in recreational events through a focus on existing competitions and activities and the creation of initiatives in cooperation with affiliates and broader industry
- Driving business development and sponsorship opportunities to strengthen financial sustainability
- Providing strong people leadership, fostering a positive and accountable organisational culture
- Maintain and enhance our child safeguarding and health and safety processes
- Managing financial performance and budgets in collaboration with the organisation’s accountant
- Representing Showjumping Ireland at key events, meetings, and stakeholder forums.
- Assume the role of primary spokesperson for Showjumping Ireland in tandem with the organisation’s Chairperson and standing committee Chairpersons.
- Create an environment where relationships with all stakeholders including equestrian affiliates, Horse Sport Ireland, Commercial partners, athletes, owners, breeders can help deliver positively for the sport and industry.
- Ensure Showjumping Ireland is at best peer practice in all Governance matters and in full compliance with statutory frameworks with full Board engagement
- Ensure all Showjumping Ireland risk management systems and policies are appropriate, current and applied

About You
We are seeking an individual with:

- A strong background in theequine industry, ideally with direct experience or a deep personal connection to the sport.
- Provenleadership and managementexperience in a similar environment (e.g., membership-based, sporting, or regulatory organisation).
- Commercial acumen with the ability to develop partnerships and attract sponsorships.
- Strategic thinking and operational oversight skills — able to both plan and deliver.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage confidently with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Financial literacy and the ability to interpret financial reports and budgets.

This role will require attendance at key events, many of which take place at weekends, and offers a hybrid working model (minimum 3–4 days per week office-based).

Why Join Showjumping Ireland?
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Ireland’s most established sporting organisations through a period of renewal and growth. You’ll have the platform to make a real difference in shaping the future of equestrian sport in Ireland — modernising operations, deepening engagement, and helping to grow a vibrant community of riders, sponsors, and supporters.

To Apply
If you are interested in this position, please submit your CV through this advertisement or send it directly to Jo McAndrew, Director at Lex Consultancy, atjo@lexconsultancy.ie
Closing date for applications is Friday, November 7 th at 5pm.

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[Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Showjumping Ireland / #J19708]

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