Practice Director
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Sussex Equine Hospital are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Practice Director to oversee our operational, financial, and client care standards, support our team culture, and uphold our core values of care, innovation, and collaboration.
Who We Are
At Sussex Equine Hospital, we're dedicated to delivering exceptional veterinary care across a wide range of disciplines. Our core values define our success:
* We Care: Prioritising the well-being of animals and people alike, fostering a respectful workplace.
* We Dare: Leading the way with innovation, creative problem-solving, and adaptability in an evolving field.
* We Share: Committed to transparency, shared knowledge, and fostering a culture of trust and teamwork.
Founded in 1951 as the Arundel Equine Hospital, Sussex Equine Hospital moved from Arundel to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Ashington in July 2017. Our purpose-built hospital is equipped to provide the highest standards of equine veterinary care, meeting the needs of both our patients and clients.
Our practice is home to 26 dedicated equine vets, each with expertise across various equine veterinary specialties. They're supported by a skilled team of nurses, grooms, and administrative staff, all focused on delivering personalized, compassionate care tailored to each client's needs.
We offer comprehensive ambulatory services across East and West Sussex, as well as Surrey and Hampshire, caring for a range of equine patients, from elite sport and racehorses to children's ponies. Our referral hospital, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, is equipped with 27 stables, an isolation block, and specialised Repro and Bonescan units, allowing us to excel in medical diagnostics, treatments, and surgeries, both minor and major.
The hospital's location offers scenic country walks nearby, with the seaside only 20 miles away. We're conveniently close to Worthing and Brighton, with easy and direct train access to London.
Role Overview
As Practice Director, you will manage the daily operational functions of Sussex Equine Hospital, reporting directly to the Clinical Directors. Your focus will be on providing excellent patient and client care, supporting our team's professional development, and overseeing financial growth, financial forecasting, and operational excellence. Responsibilities will include HR, financial management, marketing, and maintaining compliance across all practice functions.
Leadership
*Champion our values, setting an example and fostering respect and collaboration.
*Enhance team engagement with clear communication, regular reviews, and well-being support.
*Ensure equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion.
Management
*Drive financial performance and operational goals in partnership with Clinical Directors.
*Maintain compliance across HR, safety, and data policies.
*Create efficient rotas and work closely with Area Support teams.
HR
*Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and development, working with Talent and HR teams.
*Ensure fair pay practices and efficient payroll management.
*Encourage continuous professional development (CPD) for clinical staff.
Financial Management
*Manage budgeting, credit control, and expenses.
*Ensure accurate financial reporting and stock management.
*Monitor equipment investment within budget.
*Be proactive to forecast and plan
Marketing and Business Development
*Implement local marketing initiatives to boost brand and client engagement.
*Manage social media, website, and client communications.
Clinical Operations
*Align hospital operations with clinical goals alongside Clinical Directors.
*Ensure compliance with RCVS standards, conduct audits, and promote best practices.
Working Hours
This is a full-time role consisting of 40 hours per week. Shifts are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm.
What We're Looking For
*Degree-level education preferred but not essential.
*5+ years of management experience in a commercial, service-focused environment.
*Strong leadership and people skills, with the ability to drive team engagement and foster collaboration.
*Financial acumen and resilience in a results-oriented role.
*Positive, compassionate, and capable of influencing change.
*Operational management experience is desirable.
Why Join Us?
We offer a supportive, growth-focused work environment, where you'll have a significant impact on our operations and client experience. At Sussex Equine Hospital, you'll join a team that cares deeply, shares knowledge, and dares to innovate. In addition to a competitive salary up to £55,000 per annum, you will benefit from:
Work Life Balance
* 6.6 weeks annual leave plus additional time off for your birthday
Wellbeing
* Private medical insurance
* Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
* Cycle to work scheme
* Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
* Non-accidental injury support
Development
* CPD Allowance
* Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
* Access to Vetlexicon - our encyclopaedia provider
* Infection prevention and control programme
* Quality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
* VDS Cover
* RCVS Fees
Additional
* Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
* Pension scheme
* Discounted staff pet care
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, 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 need
£0 - £0 a year
Up to £55,000 per annum