OnTrack is an independent charitable wellbeing, welfare and suicide prevention programme for New Zealand racing.
Their approach is practical, down to earth and built around relationships. They work alongside the people who make racing happen, delivering practical programmes, having conversations and connecting people with support early when they need it.
Many people in racing have spent years putting the care of their horses, their work and the industry ahead of themselves. Their own welfare can easily come second.
About the role
OnTrack is looking for a proactive relationship builder who enjoys opening doors, generating opportunities and turning new connections into meaningful results. You'll be getting out across New Zealand, building relationships and creating opportunities to deliver their programmes throughout the racing industry.
This is a genuine field role, spending much of your time at stables, tracks, training facilities, race meetings, clubs and other racing workplaces throughout New Zealand. But it's about more than making connections. You'll help people build skills and confidence through OnTrack's practical programmes and encourage peer support across the industry. You'll manage your own schedule, work towards agreed targets and be accountable for your activity and results.
They’re not a counselling service, and you don't need a background in mental health or racing. What matters most is your ability to connect with people.
OnTrack is looking for a proactive relationship builder who enjoys opening doors and turning new connections into meaningful results.
You’ll spend much of your time visiting stables, tracks, training facilities and other racing workplaces across New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and practical programmes, you’ll help people build skills and confidence, access support and look out for each other.
OnTrack isn’t a counselling service, and you don’t need a background in mental health or racing. What matters most is your ability to connect with people and turn interest into participation.
What you’ll do
Your first job is to get in the door. You'll be out across New Zealand, building relationships and turning those connections into opportunities to deliver their programmes throughout the racing industry.
It's about more than getting people interested in OnTrack. It's about helping build a community where people look out for each other, know where to turn for support and have opportunities to develop skills through their programmes.
You'll help people understand what OnTrack does, their independent and confidential approach, what support is available and how they can support each other.
As relationships develop, you'll deliver short, practical programmes and conversations in racing workplaces, working with everyone from stable staff, trainers and breeders through to clubs, employers, volunteers, contractors and industry leaders. You'll also help identify people who could become OnTrack Champions or peer supporters within their workplaces.
This isn't about standing at the front of a room reading from PowerPoint. You'll need to talk naturally with people, read a room, encourage conversation and adapt your approach to your audience.
You’ll plan your own workload, organise visits, events and training opportunities, and make sure your time in the field is purposeful.
This is not a role where you wait for work to come to you. Most weeks will involve no more than two days in the office at Ellerslie Racecourse, with the balance spent out across the industry.
You will have plenty of independence, but also clear accountability.
What we're looking for
You'll need to be confident picking up the phone, walking into workplaces and starting conversations, even when you're not expected. Building trust takes time, persistence and a willingness to keep showing up. You:
You might currently work in field sales, business development, account management, stakeholder engagement, membership, rural services, trades, sport, workforce development, training or community engagement.
Racing knowledge and previous wellbeing, mental health or suicide prevention experience are useful, but not essential. We'll provide the specialist training and teach you our programmes.
The reality of the role
This is a genuine national field position, with regular travel and overnight stays, early mornings, evenings and some weekend and race-day work. Racing doesn't operate nine to five, and neither does this role.
You'll sometimes hear about difficult things happening in people's lives, including significant distress and suicide risk. You won't be expected to manage complex situations alone. These are escalated to OnTrack's National Support & Welfare Manager through established support processes. OnTrack provides specialist training, regular debriefing and professional supervision.
Why join OnTrack?
If you enjoy being out where people work, can confidently start a conversation with almost anyone and like turning a first introduction into a trusted relationship, we'd like to hear from you.
How to apply
Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Nikki Walshaw, by Sunday 8 November 2026.
A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.
Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.
View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/OnTrack-PD-Field-Team-Member-23.10.26.pdf
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