Practice Director

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We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Practice Director to join our Highgate Veterinary Clinic in Kendal. This role allows you to demonstrate your leadership abilities while providing support to the team during a period of leadership transition within the practice.

Lead Our Team to Success

As the Veterinary Practice Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and long-term growth of the practice, ensuring we continue to provide the highest standards of patient and client care. Working closely with the veterinary, nursing, and support teams, you'll oversee all aspects of clinical services, financial performance, and team management.

As a leader, you will act as an ambassador for our culture, values, and employer brand, ensuring all employees receive appropriate leadership, guidance, development, and appraisals. Promoting our wellbeing and mental health initiatives, you will focus on breaking down barriers, signposting support, and engaging with training. You will foster effective communication to boost employee engagement and maintain professional conduct at all times.

Alongside the practice leadership team, you will be accountable for the practice's financial performance, including achieving the EBITDA targets outlined in the Practice Budget and Business Plan. Ensuring compliance with company policies, including HR, H&S, financial, GDPR, and security, will be a priority, as will managing staff rotas and out-of-hours provisions to meet legal and professional responsibilities. You will also participate in IVC area meetings and collaborate closely with the Area Director, Area Support Manager, and Support Operations Centre to maintain effective communication and coordination. Additionally, you will handle other tasks as required to support the practice.

Join a Supportive Team

Our team currently consists of 4 Veterinary Surgeons, 3 nurses, and 6 support staff, alongside our Clinical Director and Head Nurse. As a Nurse Training Practice, Cat Friendly Clinic, and Practice Standards accredited facility, we are committed to continually enhancing patient care and the client experience. Additionally, we support the local greyhound rehoming centre and serve as a host venue for the Pet Blood Bank.

Work in a Professional Environment

Highgate Vets is a small animal first-opinion practice located in Kendal, on the southern edge of the stunning Lake District. We operate across two branches, with our main surgery focusing on emergency cases and comprehensive workups, while our branch emphasises preventative medicine. Our clinical staff rotate between both locations. As a close-knit team, we prioritise supporting one another and fostering a collaborative learning environment where everyone can thrive. We were proud to be named one of the top three finalists in the 2021 Pet Plan Practice of the Year awards. We are planning to merge our two branches into a single main clinic, and as Practice Manager, you will lead this transition. You will collaborate closely with our property team and clinical staff to ensure a seamless move into the new facility.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an experienced leader with a proven track record in the veterinary or healthcare sector, particularly in practice management. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in managing teams, driving performance, and fostering a positive workplace culture. A strong financial acumen is essential, with experience managing budgets and improving profitability. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are key, as the role involves building strong relationships with staff, clients, and external stakeholders. The ability to multitask, manage competing priorities, and thrive under pressure is critical, alongside a strong commitment to delivering exceptional client and patient care.

Enjoy a Work-Life Balance

This full-time position is 38 hours per week, spread over 4 or 5 days, with flexibility on which days are worked. The hours will fall within the practice's opening times of 8:30am to 6:00pm.

Why Join Us?

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do.

In addition to a competitive salary up to £50,000 per annum (DOE) you will benefit from:

Work Life Balance

* 6.6 weeks annual leave plus additional time off for your birthday

Wellbeing

* Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay

* Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing

* Non-accidental injury support

Development

* Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy

Additional

* Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers

* Pension scheme

* Discounted staff pet care

As a BAME and LGBTQ+ inclusive employer, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

£0 - £0 a year

Up to £50,000 per annum (DOE)