Careers at the TBA - Head of Commercial Operations

HEAD OF COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS (Full-Time)

Term: Permanent

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Newmarket (Hybrid working available)

About the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) is the UK's leading charity dedicated to supporting the Thoroughbred breeding industry. The TBA represents and advocates for breeders across Britain, providing essential services, education and support to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the industry. The TBA delivers significant value to its members through initiatives including the Great British Bonus, Elite Mares’ Scheme, TB-Ed educational platform, industry advocacy and strategic support during critical challenges.

The Opportunity

The TBA is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead the charity’s commercial development and financial management, ensuring the organisation operates sustainably and grows its impact. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction on financial planning and reporting, business development and income generation, working closely with the CEO to deliver the TBA's mission and support British thoroughbred breeding during a challenging and transformative period for the industry. This role will involve management of a small team and oversight of key operational functions.

Principal Accountabilities

• Drive commercial strategy and business development to secure sustainable income streams and organisational growth
• Manage all financial activities including budgets, forecasting, management accounts, and year-end processes to support strategic and operational decision-making
• Lead and develop a high-performing team across breeder development, racing-related programmes, and finance administration
• Oversee key operational functions including compliance, GDPR and health and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to diversify and grow income
• Identify new business development opportunities, partnerships, and sponsorship prospects
• Lead on identifying grant funding opportunities and develop relationships with funders including trusts and foundations
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with industry stakeholders, members, and commercial partners

Financial Management

• Manage the budget planning and review processes, producing regular management accounts and financial reports for the CEO and Board of Trustees
• Maintain oversight of financial performance and ensure effective treasury management and cashflow monitoring
• Prepare and lead the year-end financial process including liaising with auditors, preparing final financial accounts for Board sign-off and filing
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with charity financial regulations
• Provide financial analysis and insights to inform strategic decision-making and business planning

Leadership and Management

• Line management of a small team, including performance reviews, support of professional development and fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture
• Coordinate team activities to ensure effective delivery of TBA programmes including GBB, breeder support initiatives and industry engagement
• Administer staff benefit programmes including pension schemes, medical benefits and bonuses
• Act as the charity's Senior Responsible Person for GDPR and oversee Health and Safety compliance, facilities management including maintenance and lease agreements and IT systems
• Administer the Audit Committee and support governance processes including company secretariat functions as required
• Work closely with the CEO on financial planning, priorities and strategic initiatives
• Represent the TBA at industry meetings and events as required

Education & Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant experience in financial management with strong commercial or business development track record
• Demonstrable success in income generation, partnership development or fundraising
• Experience in budget management, financial reporting and management accounts
• Proven track record of team leadership and people management
• IT literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and experience with financial management systems, including Sage
• Experience within a charity, membership organisation or sport sector is desirable
• Knowledge of or enthusiasm for Thoroughbred breeding and racing is highly desirable

Key Skills/Competencies

• Strong financial acumen including financial reporting, budget management and financial analysis
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking with ability to identify and pursue income opportunities
• Methodical and accurate approach to financial management
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills with ability to plan workload, manage multiple priorities and focus on key deliverables
• Knowledge of Charity Commission governance and financial regulation
• Understanding of GDPR and Health and Safety
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small senior team
• Experience with grant applications or partnership development is desirable

Personal

• Full driving licence
• Commitment to the highest standards of integrity, honesty and to the TBA's charitable objectives
• Consultative and collaborative leadership style
• Positive attitude and flexibility to meet the demands of the organisation
• Resilience and ability to work effectively under pressure
• Commitment to promoting inclusion and best practice
• Ability to attend the Newmarket office regularly as per the flexible working policy

What the TBA Offers

• Flexible Working: Hybrid working policy allowing up to 2 days per week working from home
• Supportive Culture: We pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer with a collaborative team that values growth, development and personal leadership.
• Personal Development: Genuine commitment to your professional growth through training, mentoring, and development opportunities tailored to your career aspirations
• Benefits Package: Employer pension contributions, private health insurance, and cycle to work scheme
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the future of British thoroughbred breeding

For more information about the TBA and its work, please visit www.thetba.co.uk

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to: [email protected]

Closing date: Monday, 2 February 2026 @ 17.00hrs (GMT)

Equal Opportunities Statement

The TBA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people with a range of backgrounds and experiences. Whether you come from within the racing industry or bring transferable skills from other sectors, the TBA encourages you to apply.

The TBA is an equal opportunities employer and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for candidates who require them. Please let us know of any requirements when you apply.