POSITION AVAILABLE 

Adelaide Polo Club Manager 

Term & Employment Type 

• Contract period: January – April 2026 (season) 

• Employment type: Full‑time, fixed‑term seasonal contract (weekend and evening work required) 

Remuneration 

• Salary: Expression of Interest (EOI) 35-65k. Final package is subject to negotiation between the applicant and the Board, based on the applicant’s qualifications and experience. 

• Benefits (subject to agreement): Accommodation/vehicle allowance during season; phone and uniform; match/event meals; relocation support (if applicable), horse accommodation also available (capped). 

Location 

Club base and grounds; travel to away fixtures/tournaments as required. 

Reports To 

Club Committee/Board (Chair/President). Works closely with Treasurer, Grounds Manager, Horse Welfare Lead, and Events/Commercial. 

Direct Reports 

Seasonal operations crew, part‑time event staff, volunteers, grooms/contractors (as agreed). 

Purpose of the Role 

To lead safe, professional, and enjoyable polo operations for the Club throughout the 2026 season, ensuring high-quality match delivery, excellent member/player experience, robust horse-welfare practices, and well-run events and sponsorship activations. The role also carries Club Captain responsibilities, focused on on-field leadership, player standards, liaison between players and Club management, and the endorsement of new club members. 

Key Responsibilities 

1) Season & Match Operations 

• Manage the 2026 fixture calendar (Jan–Apr), including practice chukkas, club days, tournaments, and liaise with interstate events. 

• Oversee team entries, handicaps/eligibility, umpires, timers/scorers and table officials; publish draws and team lists. 

• Ensure timely set-up/pack-down: goals, flags, boards, penalty markers, timing/score systems, radios, first-aid and ambulance. 

• Deliver efficient match‑day run sheets and briefings (officials, volunteers, players). 

• Coordinate logistics for visiting teams, horses and equipment; manage stabling/yard allocations. 

2) Grounds & Facility Readiness 

• In collaboration with Grounds Manager, maintain fields to a safe, consistent standard (mowing, rolling, irrigation, divot repair, goal/board maintenance). 

• Schedule and supervise after‑match divot crews and volunteer rosters. 

• Ensure stables/yards, wash bays, tack rooms and clubrooms meet safety and hygiene standards. 

3) Horse Welfare & Safety 

• Champion best‑practice horse care, hydration and heat management; maintain Horse Welfare Plan for the season. 

• Ensure veterinary and equine first‑aid coverage at designated events; maintain incident reporting. 

• Enforce biosecurity and movement protocols (e.g., vaccinations, horse movement records) in line with governing‑body guidance and local regulations. 

4) Compliance & Risk Management 

• Ensure competitions adhere to relevant national polo governing‑body rules and Club by‑laws. 

• Lead WHS risk assessments (weather, heat, dust, ground hardness, equipment, vehicle movement, crowd safety). 

• Develop event emergency plans (medical, severe weather, evacuation) and conduct pre‑season drills. 

5) People, Members & Volunteers • Allocate, roster, and train seasonal staff and volunteers (marshals, goal judges, timekeepers, divot crews, and gate/parking attendants) 

• Provide clear role guides and pre‑event briefings; foster a respectful, inclusive culture. 

• Handle player/member enquiries and feedback; manage disputes in line with Club policy. 

Adelaide Polo Manager Responsibilities (On‑Field Leadership) 

• Player Standards & Culture: Set and model standards for sportsmanship, safety and respect; uphold the Club Code of Conduct. 

• Selection & Handicaps Liaison: Participate in or chair selection meetings (as applicable); ensure balanced teams and fair play. 

• Training & Development: Lead/coordinate training chukkas, skills sessions and strategy briefings; mentor emerging players. 

• Matchday Leadership: Conduct captain’s brief with umpires and team captains; handle on‑field queries and promote calm dispute resolution. 

• Player Welfare: Monitor player heat stress/fatigue, concussion protocols and return‑to‑play guidance in line with Club policy. 

• Communication: Serve as the primary liaison between players and Club Committee on competition matters and feedback. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

1. Safe Operations: Zero material safety breaches; all incidents recorded and actions closed out within agreed timeframes. 

2. Match Delivery Quality: ≥95% of fixtures start within 5 minutes of scheduled time; minimal schedule variance. 

3. Grounds Standard: Independent field‑hardness/condition checks within target range for ≥90% of match days. 

4. Member/Player Satisfaction: Post‑event surveys average ≥4.3/5 for season. 

Experience & Qualifications 

• Demonstrated experience in polo/ equestrian club operations, tournament delivery or similar sports/events management. 

• Strong understanding of polo rules, handicaps and match protocols; credibility with players, officials and grooms. 

• Proven people leadership (staff and volunteers) and stakeholder management. 

• Sound knowledge of equine welfare and biosecurity basics; comfortable coordinating vets and farriers. 

• Current unrestricted driver’s licence; ability to operate utility vehicles safely on site.

• Desirable: Event management or sport administration qualifications; Working With Children Check (where applicable). 

• Desirable: experience working with a high-performing polo organisation. 

Skills & Attributes 

• Calm under pressure; excellent organiser and clear communicator (verbal and written). 

• Practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving skills. 

• Collaborative leadership style; sets high standards and builds positive culture. 

• Comfortable working outdoors and in all weather conditions; able to perform moderate manual tasks. 

Typical Working Pattern (Season) 

• Weekdays: planning, grounds checks, admin and stakeholder meetings. 

• Evenings/weekends: training chukkas, club matches and tournaments. 

• Additional hours during major events and in adverse weather contingencies. 

How to Apply (EOI) 

Please submit:

1) CV outlining relevant polo/equestrian and events experience,

2) A brief cover letter addressing the Key Responsibilities and KPIs, and

3) Your Salary EOI for the Jan–Apr 2026 contract (and availability)

To: this advertisement directly on APC FB Messenger & or directly to jonathanmbayes@gmail.com & richard@proactiveproperty.com.au 

Window: Open until filled; interviews scheduled on a rolling basis, close Friday 10th November unless suitable applicant found earlier. 

Pre‑Employment Requirements 

• Reference checks; verification of right to work. 

• Proof of current first‑aid (or willingness to obtain before start date). 

• Working With Children Check/Police check as required by venue or governing‑body policy. 

Note: This PD outlines the core scope for the 2026 season. Final duties may be refined in consultation with the successful candidate and the Club Committee.