Chief Executive Officer - JM52064

Osborne - Recruitment Consultancy; Kildare; On-site; EUR 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Health insurance

Job summary

The Irish National Stud (The INS) seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to drive strategic growth across its bioscience, tourism and commercial arms. Reporting to the Board, you will lead operational direction, financial stewardship and stakeholder engagement, delivering sustainable value for Ireland’s Thoroughbred industry.

The successful candidate will have extensive leadership experience, deep industry knowledge, and a track record of driving revenue growth while upholding governance and

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ senior leadership experience in the thoroughbred/bloodstock industry.
• Strong understanding of commercial dynamics in Ireland and internationally.
• Excellent communication, public relations and diplomacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year strategic plans for The INS and INSCE.
• Lead commercial performance across stallion, bloodstock, tourism and retail.
• Maintain governance, health and safety obligations and high welfare standards.
• Oversee finance, budgeting, forecasting and capital projects.
• Lead a diverse management team and ensure risk management and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Education

Third-level degree in Business/Agriculture/Equine Science

Job description

The Irish National Stud (The INS) - Chief Executive Officer

About The Organisation

The INS is a commercial semi-state body established under The INS Stud Act of 1945. The INS 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 INS 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 INS is to maintain and develop this reputation through world class breeding activities.

The INS reports directly to the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine.

The Chief Executive Officer Opportunity

The Board of The INS 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 INS, 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 The INS 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 Irish 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

Thoroughbred industry experience is an absolute requirement for this appointment.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Closing date: 5.00pm Friday 4th December 2026