Job Description
Job Title: Operations Manager
Department: Great Southwest Equestrian Center (GSEC)
Reports to: GSEC General Manager
Supervises: Horse show and event contract labor
Location: On premises Monday to Friday and during weekend events/shows
Job Objective:
The Horse Show Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordination, and execution of premier equestrian competitions and hospitality experiences hosted by the equestrian center. This role oversees all operations aspects of horse shows and special events while ensuring the facility maintains an exceptional reputation for professionalism, service, safety, and exhibitor experience.
As part of a family office-owned operation, this position requires a hospitality-driven mindset with a strong emphasis on relationship management, discretion, attention to detail, and creating a best-in-class experience for riders, trainers, sponsors, and guests. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-touch environment where excellence, reputation, and long-term relationships are equally as important as operational performance and financial stewardship.
Essential Functions:
- Execute and oversee horse show operations and exhibitor experience
- Coordinate multi-department event logistics and vendor management
- Maintain strong relationships with trainers, exhibitors, sponsors, and governing bodies
- Ensure facility readiness, safety compliance, and operations excellence during events
- Support the reputation and hospitality standards of the organization
Job Responsibilities:
Horse Show & Event Operations
- Lead the planning and execution of recognized horse shows, schooling shows, local shows (GHHJA) and special equestrian events from initial concept through execution
- Develop detailed operational timelines, staffing plans, and event logistics to ensure seamless execution
- Coordinate class schedule, prize lists, entries, stabling assignments, and exhibitor communications
- Collaborate with show managers to produce and manage company-owned national level shows
- Oversee day-of horse show operations including ring coordination, show office activities, awards, scheduling flow, and exhibitor support
- Anticipate operational challenges proactively and resolve issues efficiently and professionally
- Coordinate judges, officials, jump crews, and operational vendors to ensure successful execution of recognized competitions
- Prepare all required equipment and supplies for staff use in anticipation of show needs
- File all required documents with the appropriate governing bodies
- Complete all applications for sanctioning and affiliate organizations
- Collaborate with show managers during dressage and reining shows to ensure all equipment is ordered and set up properly
Hospitality & Client Experience
- Serve as the primary onsite contact for exhibitors and trainers during company-owned shows, solving issues proactively
- Maintain a visible onsite presence throughout barn and competition areas to proactively support exhibitors and trainers
- Act as a liaison with show staff, organizing judges’ booths, snacks, and lunches
- Deliver a high-end hospitality experience for exhibitors, trainers, sponsors, judges, VIP guests, and ownership representatives
- Foster strong relationships within the equestrian community to support the facility’s reputation and long-term success
- Ensure the property, hospitality areas, and event presentations consistently reflect the standards and brand of the owners
- Coordinate VIP experiences, hospitality lounges, sponsor engagement, catering, and special accommodations during events
- Handle sensitive or high-profile interactions with professionalism, discretion, and exception customer service
Facility & Grounds Coordination
- Coordinate exhibitor stabling logistics and onsite accommodations to ensure a seamless show experience
- Conduct daily stall and accommodation checks during the show
- Coordinate with maintenance personnel to ensure RV and accommodation servicing is completed accurately and on schedule
- Ensure all necessary and proper equipment is ordered and properly set for the shows
- Ensure safety standards are maintained for horses, riders, staff, and guests at all times
- Coordinate with vendors and contractors to maintain the highest standards of facility presentation and operational readiness
Vendor, Staff, & Governing Body Coordination
- Serve as the primary liaison for judges, stewards, course designers, announcers, photographers, sponsors, and service providers
- Coordinate temporary show staff, volunteers, and operational support personnel during events
- Ensure compliance with all applicable governing body requirements including United States Equestrian Federation and United States Hunter Jumper Association standards where applicable
- Maintain strong working relationships with industry professionals and partner to support future event growth and participation
- Act as the safety coordinator during USEF-rated shows
Crisis Management / Incident Response
- Respond to operational emergencies, exhibitor concerns, weather-related disruptions, and safety incidents in a calm and professional manner
- Coordinate communication and response efforts during operational or safety-related incidents
Financial & Administrative Management
- Assist with horse show budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Monitor operational expenses while balancing quality, guest experience, and ownership expectations
- Identify opportunities to enhance event participation, sponsorship revenue, and operational efficiencies while maintaining the facility’s reputation and service standards
Industry Engagement & Continuous Improvement
- Keep current on trends and best practices in equestrian competition management and exhibitor experience
- Identify opportunities to enhance the facility’s reputation as a premier equestrian destination
- Recommend operations, hospitality, and facility improvements to maintain a top-tier show environment
- Develop new company owned (GSEC) horse shows, from initial concept through execution.
- Produce and manage company owned shows of the highest quality including: develop and manage prize list; hire and supervise contract staff for shows including judges, jump crew, officials, etc.; arrange transportation and lodging for staff; file documents with governing bodies; and assist with promotional parties for shows.
- Coordinate all show activities with the GSEC staff including facility conditions and safety issues
- Manage stabling and sale of shavings, feed, hay and other items as necessary
- Coordinate record keeping activities with the show secretary, office and GSEC
Other Job Skills & Requirements/Personal Attributes:
- Maintains company confidence and protects operations, including intellectual properties, by keeping information confidential.
- Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional associations.
Measures of Success:
- Successful execution of horse shows and events with minimal operational disruption
- Positive exhibitor, trainer, sponsor, and guest feedback
- High levels of repeat participation and customer retention
- Compliance with governing body standards and safety requirements
- Maintenance of premium hospitality and facility presentation standards
- Effective management of event budgets and operational resources
Education Requirements:
- Required: High School or Equivalent Required
- Preferred: Associate or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work extended hours during horse shows and special events
- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods across facility grounds
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and active equestrian environments
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee must repeatedly sit, stand, stoop, speak, listen, and use hands to seize, grip, hold, reach, turn, lift, or carry objects 50 lbs.
Work Environment:
- Fast-paced, service-oriented environment centered around equestrian competitions and hospitality
- Requires weekend, holiday, and evening availability based on event schedules
- Combination of office-based planning and hands-on operation event management
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function of the position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- If you indicated that you have previous horse show management experience, please explain where you gained your experience.
Experience:
- horse show management: 5 years (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Katy, TX 77450: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
