Thoroughbred Welfare Coordinator

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New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is the regulatory and governing authority for the sport of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand. We are on a mission to create a sustainable and successful thoroughbred racing industry for Kiwis to enjoy for many generations to come!

Racing is a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy, accounting for a remarkable $1.9 billion in value-added GDP and directly employs more than 13,000 individuals.

At NZTR, we oversee and regulate all aspects of thoroughbred racing, from licensing and registrations to setting the race calendar, race promotion, and ensuring the wellbeing of our people and horses. NZTR is currently undergoing a period of bold and transformational change. 

Together, we are driving the initiatives that will see racing thrive for many years by attracting new talent and engaging a new demographic of punters, owners, and racing enthusiasts.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Thoroughbred Welfare Coordinator to join our Welfare team based in Cambridge. Reporting to the Head of Thoroughbred Welfare, this role supports the delivery of NZTR’s Thoroughbred Welfare Strategy by coordinating and implementing welfare programmes, initiatives, and day-to-day activities across the industry.

This role will play a key part in ensuring welfare standards, policies, and procedures are applied consistently and effectively throughout the Thoroughbred lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the delivery and consistent application of NZTR’s welfare policies, programmes, and procedures
• Acting as the first point of contact for operational welfare enquiries
• Monitoring welfare practices, identifying risks or non‑compliance, and supporting timely interventions
• Coordinating activities that support positive welfare outcomes throughout the Thoroughbred lifecycle, including retirement pathways and post‑racing transitions
• Maintaining accurate welfare and traceability records, including compliance follow‑up, data validation, and reporting
• Supporting NZTR’s network of Acknowledged Retrainers, including accreditation, relationship management, and recordkeeping
• Assisting with welfare‑related communication, education, training, and awareness activities
• Participating in industry meetings, forums, and events as an NZTR representative
• Contributing to operational projects, research partnerships, and evidence‑based welfare initiatives

This role combines field engagement, project coordination, stakeholder support, and operational delivery — ideal for someone who wants to make a meaningful welfare impact in the racing and equestrian sector.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation of experience in the racing, equestrian, animal welfare or a similar operational or regulatory environment, along with a working knowledge of equine welfare standards, husbandry, and post‑racing or rehoming processes.

You’ll be comfortable using Microsoft Suite applications to support accurate record‑keeping and reporting across our welfare programmes.

In this role, you’ll regularly engage with people at all levels of the business as well as external industry stakeholders. Your natural communication and interpersonal skills will help you build strong relationships, provide support when needed, and positively represent NZTR across the wider equine community.

About the Team

You’ll be joining a small and collaborative team of passionate professionals who work hard, support each other, and have plenty of fun along the way. We value continuous improvement, fresh thinking, and people who are eager to learn and grow with us.

What We Offer

• Competitive, market‑aligned remuneration
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture
• A great Cambridge‑based workplace with free parking
• Annual race day passes
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful industry change and equine welfare outcomes

If you're passionate about equine welfare, enjoy working with people, and want to be part of a dynamic and future‑focused industry, we’d love to hear from you.