LEGAL REGULATORY ASSOCIATE
Horseracing in Ireland is a €2.5 billion industry that supports more than 30,000 jobs. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the Regulatory Body for Irish horseracing, responsible for assuring public trust in horseracing and safeguarding its reputation through robust and transparent regulatory practices, implemented with uncompromising integrity by a focused and professional team. Our Statement of Strategy 2024-2027 includes a commitment to excellence through agility and continuous improvement and to enhanced transparency. A new opportunity now exists for a Legal Regulatory Associate for a permanent position in the Racing Regulation & Integrity Unit. The position is a full-time office role, based at the Offices of the IHRB in County Kildare.
JOB PURPOSE
The Legal Regulatory Associate will provide professional legal, regulatory and operational support to the Head of Racing Regulation & Integrity, across the work of the Unit. The role will take ownership of allocated regulatory casework and projects, including investigations, referrals and disciplinary proceedings, legal and regulatory research, evidence and document review, drafting and hearing preparation. The successful candidate will be expected to progress allocated matters with appropriate autonomy, exercise sound judgement, and identify matters requiring escalation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Provide professional legal, regulatory and operational support to the Head of Racing Regulation & Integrity across the work of the Unit.
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Progress and support investigations, regulatory assessments, referrals, appeals and disciplinary proceedings, including evidence and document review, case preparation and hearing preparation.
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Take ownership of allocated matters and workstreams, progressing actions, monitoring deadlines and escalating matters as appropriate.
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Draft, review and proofread legal and regulatory correspondence, reports, notices and briefing documents.
- Coordinate casework and regulatory hearings, including procedural requirements, documentation, scheduling and deadlines.
- Conduct legal research on relevant legislation, regulations, precedents, and case law.
- Roster management for Raceday Integrity Officers.
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Contribute to the development of key projects such as the Rules of Racing, implementation of regulatory policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate regulatory records and documentation, ensuring confidentiality and procedural compliance.
- Support relevant governance, compliance and data protection functions.
THE PERSON
The successful candidate will be a highly capable and self-motivated professional with strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, sound judgement and a high degree of personal integrity. They will be an excellent written and verbal communicator, capable of reviewing complex information, taking ownership of their work, managing competing priorities and delivering accurate, high-quality work to demanding deadlines.
The role requires initiative, discretion and meticulous attention to detail, together with the confidence to work independently within defined parameters and recognise when matters require escalation. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and coordinate a dispersed operational team are also required.
Relevant experience may have been gained in legal practice, regulation, public service, investigations, compliance, governance or another comparable professional environment.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
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A Level 8 (or higher) qualification in law, legal studies, business or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. Strong legal research and writing skills.
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At least three years' relevant professional experience in a legal, regulatory, compliance, investigations or comparable professional environment
- Experience of legal or regulatory drafting, investigations or disciplinary casework, case preparation or the preparation of submissions or reports.
- Strong organisational and project management capabilities, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
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Strong digital capability and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams and SharePoint; experience of legal/regulatory technology, case or document-management systems, workflow or process improvement is advantageous.
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Ability to lead and coordinate people and work effectively with multiple stakeholders.
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Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
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DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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Investigations or disciplinary casework.
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Legal project management, evidence or document review.
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Operational leadership or coordination of a dispersed team.
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Legal or regulatory technology, case/document management, workflow design or process improvement.
IHRB VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the IHRB's values of Professionalism, Excellence, Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Safety in how they carry out the role. In particular:
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Professionalism and Integrity: Maintains high professional standards, exercises sound judgement and discretion, and handles sensitive and confidential matters appropriately.
- Excellence and Accountability: Takes ownership of allocated work, maintains high standards of accuracy and quality, and progresses matters independently within defined parameters.
- Respect: Builds constructive and respectful working relationships with colleagues, industry participants and other stakeholders.
- Safety: Recognises the importance of safety in both the IHRB's regulatory responsibilities and the operational delivery of racing.
- Adaptability: Works effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment, responding appropriately to changing priorities and occasional evening or weekend requirements.
WHY JOIN THE IHRB?
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Join a professional regulatory organisation with a clear public-interest purpose.
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Contribute to safeguarding the fairness, integrity and reputation of Irish horseracing.
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Access opportunities for professional development in a unique regulatory environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including access to the IHRB's defined contribution pension scheme.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please complete the application process and include the following:
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CV - 3 Page max
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Cover letter (maximum 1 page), addressing your suitability and alignment with the IHRB's values and mission.
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Contact details for two professional referees (references to be contacted only after offer).
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Application Deadline: Close of Business 21 September 2026
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which may include a practical task (details of which will be given in advance).
For informal enquiries, contact Christine Traynor BL @ [email protected] or call 045 445 600 during office hours.
ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR APPLICANTS:
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Candidates must be eligible to work in Ireland.
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Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
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Direct horseracing experience is not required. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong working knowledge of the Rules of Racing and the regulatory environment in which the IHRB operates.
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Full driving licence is essential, as is access to own vehicle.
