Key Skills

Job Description

The Role Chief Operating Officer, Sorensen Stables The Chief Operating Officer will play a crucial role in the overall management of day-today operations for all of Sorensen Stables’ business units. S/he will be responsible for overarching program management, strategic planning, financial oversight, and day-to-day operations while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Responsibilities: Operational Oversight Work directly with the owners of Sorensen Stables to develop and evolve a strategic plan. Develop and implement an operational plan complete with timelines, KPI’s, and detailed role specifications for business unit leaders and team members to ensure proper execution of the strategic plan. Identify and mitigate apparent risks that might inhibit the execution of day-to-day operations as well as high-impact growth opportunities. Assess current business programs with a focus on continuous improvement. Research, identify, and recommend investments and enhancements to business processes, policies, procedures, and technologies to support operational efficiencies and rapid growth. Administration: Manage the business infrastructure, including overseeing Sorensen Stable’s contracts, real estate portfolio, leases, insurance, and office and telecommunications equipment. Manage IT requirements to ensure business administration runs smoothly. Identification and implementation of technologies identified that will enhance business processes and bring efficiencies to operations. Manage legal matters of the business, including, but not limited to, engaging consultants and representation when required. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Talent Development & Human Resources: Foster and champion the creation and implementation of a collaborative team culture across all business units. Encourage and support individual excellence and a collective commitment to achieving the overarching business goals. Develop a culture of accountability to a high degree of performance and continuous improvement. Encourage agility and adaptability of team members. Recruit and retain new hires as required by business growth. Develop role specifications and manage job postings when necessary. Identify, recruit, and evaluate potential team members. Secure work permits and visas. Prepare and present employment contracts. Conduct regular performance reviews and employee evaluations. Recommend hiring needs as they evolve. Marketing & Communications: Hire and manage contractors (designers, writers, editors, and other creative staff) to assist in the creation of internal and external communications. Oversee website development, page updates, and new content development. Oversight of contractors responsible for social media platforms. Elevate and maintain Sorensen Stable’s brand. Key Performance Indicators (Success Factors): Six Months Gained a deep understanding of all essential personnel and their roles, inclusive of CEO. Analyzed, assessed, and made recommendations to organizational structure and responsibility alignment of current staff and/or new hires. Creation of a process to capture CEO’s complex ideas and evolving strategic plan, extrapolate important take-aways and build actions plans. Development of oversight to ensure completion of actionable items. Ensured focus stays on key initiatives. The implementation of a process to manage CEO’s schedule and time spent on varying areas of importance. The creation of an operations handbook laying out the desired structures, processes, policies and procedures across the broader organization and all individual business units. The creation and implementation of an emergency action plan pertaining to first aid training, safe sport, concussion training, and protocols. 12 Months Researched, selected, and implemented appropriate documentation process and software and/or systems. Assess technology requirements to effectively gain quick access insights into all business lines. Developed and rolled out a streamlined financial reporting process to assist in the efficiency of analyzing current state and planning for future state of all revenue streams and potential new sources of revenue. Transition all business platforms to one financial services provider. 18 Months Streamlined all oversight of individual business lines to capture a high level “at-a-glance” holistic report. Assessed growth of businesses to date and built an action plan to achieve the next stage of growth. Further development and tweaking of the strategic plan in alignment with market conditions and business growth goals. Key Characteristics and Experience Leadership Skills: Demonstrated background in leading a diverse team of professionals with unique skill sets. A dynamic leader with the ability to recruit, train, and maintain a strong team. A player/coach who sets expectations and provides direction, continuous performance feedback and recognition. A results-oriented self-starter. An adaptable and agile leader who can seamlessly pivot when required. Exceptional verbal and written communications skills in English. Business proficiency in Dutch. Business/Finance Skills: A background in all aspects of business management including, finance and administration, information technology, human resources, risk management, and performance management. A strategic thinker with strong business acumen. Experience in managing complex projects with logistics and operations at the core. A solutions-oriented problem solver who understands the importance of anticipating, assessing and mitigating risks. Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive and Smartsheet. Qualifications: A post-secondary degree in business or a related discipline. A professional designation is an asset. A minimum of 10 or more years of relevant experience in operational management and people management. Knowledge of the equestrian industry in an asset. Work experience in or with proximity to North America is an asset. Fluent in English and Dutch. Proficiency in French or German is an asset but not a requirement.

Core Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations across Sorensen Stables’ business units, working with the owners to develop and execute strategic plans, manage finances and infrastructure, and improve processes while identifying risks and growth opportunities. Build and support a high-performing team, oversee recruitment and employee development, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, and manage marketing, communications, and brand-related contractors.

Requirements

Requires a post-secondary degree in business or a related discipline and at least 10 years of relevant operational and people-management experience; a professional designation is an asset. Candidates should have broad business-management expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, fluency in English and Dutch, and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and Smartsheet; equestrian-industry knowledge and North American work experience are assets.