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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, ensuring smooth operations and excellent client experiences.
- Company: Join Academy Vets, a friendly mixed practice with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, 6.8 weeks annual leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and stunning coastal location with outdoor activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for team development are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Practice Manager to join our friendly and dynamic team at Academy Vets on a full‑time, permanent basis. This is a people‑focused, on‑site leadership role, ideal for someone passionate about building strong relationships, supporting team development, and delivering an excellent client experience. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment and enjoy making a real impact, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
Working closely with the Director of Practice & Clinical Services, Small Animal Clinical Director, and Head RVN, you will play a central role ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of the practice. You will lead from the front, fostering a positive, collaborative culture while supporting both clinical and non‑clinical teams. With support from central teams, you’ll contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, supporting, and motivating the team to create a positive working environment
- Maintaining high practice standards and ensuring compliance with RCVS guidelines
- Overseeing financial operations, including budgeting, stock control, and debt management
- Supporting payroll processes and handling related queries
- Managing HR responsibilities, including line management and annual reviews
- Overseeing building and equipment maintenance
- Ensuring Health & Safety compliance across the practice
- Supporting recruitment and monitoring staff training and development
- Acting as the first point of contact for IT queries (with central support)
- Handling client feedback and resolving complaints professionally
- Leading and attending practice and regional meetings
Rota patterns that work for you:
This is a full‑time role working 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle no matter what stage you are in your career.
Our Team:
Academy Vets is a busy and well‑established mixed practice, providing services across farm, small animal, and equine care. Our team includes 10 experienced vets, including clinical leadership roles, 3 RVNs (with ongoing recruitment to grow the team), and 11 dedicated and supportive administrative staff.
Location:
Our practices are based in Stranraer and Newton Stewart, with the main hub in Stranraer. This stunning coastal area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as sailing and kayaking on Loch Ryan, alongside a variety of regional events and festivals. The location also provides convenient access to ferry links to Northern Ireland, making it both scenic and well‑connected.
What you’ll bring:
- Enjoy leading and developing others
- Communicate clearly and build strong relationships
- Are proactive, organised, and solutions‑focused
- Thrive in a busy, fast‑paced environment
- Take pride in creating a positive and efficient workplace
- Have an awareness of farming, rural communities, and local geography (advantageous)
Benefits:
- Work‑life balance
- 6.8 weeks annual leave
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
- Non‑accidental injury support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme
- Quality Improvement Programme
- Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
- Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer
- Discounted staff pet care
- Up to ÂŁ45,000 DOE
Practice Manager in Stranraer employer: Academy Vet Centre, Stranraer
Contact Detail:
Academy Vet Centre, Stranraer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager in Stranraer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the veterinary field. Attend local events, join online forums, or even pop into the practice for a chat. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! When you get that chance to meet the team, let your enthusiasm for leading and developing others shine through. Share examples of how you've created positive work environments in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Research Academy Vets and come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to their growth. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality and fit for the team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager in Stranraer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Practice Manager role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in fostering a positive team environment, as these are key to what we’re looking for at Academy Vets.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this is a people-focused role, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you’ve built strong relationships in previous positions. We want to see how you communicate and connect with both teams and clients!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your relevant experience and skills at a glance. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Academy Vets!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academy Vet Centre, Stranraer
✨Know Your Practice Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research Academy Vets thoroughly. Understand their values, services, and the community they serve. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Practice Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully motivated and developed others in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you fostered a positive working environment or resolved conflicts.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since overseeing financial operations is a key responsibility, brush up on your budgeting and stock control knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've managed finances in past positions and how you would approach these tasks at Academy Vets.
✨Demonstrate Your Client-Centric Approach
Academy Vets values excellent client experiences. Prepare to share examples of how you've handled client feedback or complaints professionally. Highlight your proactive approach to ensuring client satisfaction and building strong relationships.