Innovation Coordinator

Through it all, we are measured by the purest of passions, a love of horses. This unspoken bond between human and horse guides everything we do. For over 40 years, this simple truth has been Horseware Ireland’s guiding inspiration. It has helped us to always deliver high performance, beautiful and sustainable products that last.

It was 1985 when Horseware Ireland created our now iconic Rambo Original horse rug, sparking a design revolution that redefined innovation within the equine industry. We forged a path that would grow across geographies, span generations, and make Horseware Ireland the world’s leading equestrian brand in horse rugs and equine products, selling to over 70 countries worldwide, with more than 400 employees.

Today, more than ever, we continue to challenge what is possible and re-imagine new ways of fulfilling our mission to Make Life Better.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an Innovation Designer to join our Innovation and Product team, with a focus on Equine and Therapies product. This role develops product concepts that translate consumer insight, brand direction, and innovation opportunities into design outputs that can progress through development, sampling, and commercialization.

You will work closely with the Innovation and Product Design Manager, Global Product Manager, Product Technician, Innovation Sourcing and Product Quality Manager, and supplier partners to progress product from concept through to commercial launch.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Innovation Coordinator provides practical coordination and administrative support across the Innovation and Product team, with a focus on product testing, third-party coordination, sample management and logistics, product information support, purchase orders, and R&D tax credit and innovation funding documentation. The role helps approved development activities progress efficiently by coordinating agreed inputs, evidence, samples, information, and follow-up across internal teams and external partners.

The role may also support early-stage product and design activity where required, working within briefs, priorities, technical standards, and decision rights established by the Global Product Manager, Innovation & Product Design Manager, Product Technician, and Innovation Sourcing and Product Quality Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee the end-to-end management of product samples, including tracking, inventory control, storage, showroom presentation, seasonal rotation, allocation, distribution, and disposal.

Coordinate sample requests and logistics across Product, Sales, Marketing, trade shows, showrooms, suppliers, and external partners.

Manage supplier communications relating to samples, product kits, barcodes, quantities, delivery requirements, timelines, and follow-up actions.

Administer purchase orders from initial creation through supplier submission and completion, in collaboration with Supply Chain, Logistics, and Finance.

Coordinate wear trials and approved product testing, including tester and laboratory engagement, sample provision, scheduling, feedback collection, results management, and follow-up.

Coordinate approved third-party testing laboratories, technical specialists, research partners, and service providers by confirming project requirements, arranging samples and supporting

documentation, monitoring timelines and deliverables, maintaining accurate records, and escalating delays, risks, or outstanding decisions to the relevant internal owner.

Support product and design activities by maintaining accurate, approved product information within PLM and assisting with the preparation and transfer of information to PIM, under the direction of the relevant accountable owners.

Maintain and coordinate records, cost inputs, technical evidence, and supporting documentation for R&D tax credits, grants, and innovation funding applications.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, samples, and follow-up actions simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining records, trackers, inventory, purchase orders, and system data.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence working across Product, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Finance, manufacturing partners, and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable working within PLM systems and supporting product information workflows in PIM, alongside ERP systems such as NetSuite, Microsoft Office, inventory tools, and structured product-information templates.
• Strong administrative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to proactively manage tasks and resolve issues.
• Experience supporting product development, product testing, third-party partners, sample logistics, purchasing, or operational processes is an advantage.
• Comfortable coordinating wear testing, laboratory testing, field evaluation, and third-party testing activities under approved protocols.
• Interest in equestrian products, horse and rider performance, product innovation, and consumer product testing is highly desirable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with strong attention to detail in sample records, product information, testing evidence, funding documentation, purchase orders, and logistics coordination.
• Process-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement, efficiency, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Interest or capability in product design and concept development is desirable, with the ability to work under established design direction and technical standards.
• Experience supporting R&D tax credit, grant, or innovation funding documentation is desirable.

Summary of the Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with role and experience.
• Hybrid working
• 25 days basic annual leave pro-rata
• Sick leave entitlement
• Free Onsite Parking
• Company pension scheme
• Healthcare
• Health screening
• Life Assurance
• Learning and Development opportunities
• EAP- Employee Assistance Programme
• Maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave
• Learning, education, and training support
• Discount on Horseware products

Please note that the benefits outlined are subject to change based on organization decision.

Horseware is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, neurodiversity, or any other protected classification by local laws.

Pay: €37,000.00-€42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience working cross-functionally with teams such as R&D, Quality, Operations/ Supply Chain , or Commercial?

Experience:

• Product development: 2 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dublin Airport, County Dublin