At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence initiatives to enhance efficiency and quality across veterinary clinics.
- Company: Join MVH Europe, a leader in veterinary care dedicated to making a better world for pets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, personal development opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic, international environment with a focus on collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary care while driving continuous improvement and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in operational improvement; Lean/Six Sigma certification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Department: Central Operations
Reporting Line: Director Operational Excellence MVH Europe
Location: Amsterdam, Madrid, Munich, Solihull
Contract: Full‑time
About MVH Europe
Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 19 European countries. At MVH Europe, we prioritise a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Operational excellence plays a critical role in enabling scalable growth, consistent quality, and sustainable performance across our clinics and regions.
Role Overview
The Operational Excellence Senior Manager is responsible for designing, embedding, and scaling best‑in‑class operational excellence frameworks, processes, and tools across MVH Europe. This role ensures strong alignment between operational standards, process management, and business outcomes across clinics, area teams, and central functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and deployment of end‑to‑end process architecture and the Operational Excellence playbook across MVH Europe.
- Define standards, tools, governance models, and methodologies that support consistent operational performance at scale.
- Coach Area and Practice Managers in lean methodologies and continuous improvement techniques.
- Build operational capability across regions by embedding structured problem‑solving and performance improvement mindsets.
- Identify opportunities for process standardisation, automation, and efficiency improvements.
- Ensure successful rollout and adoption of improvements across clinics and regions.
- Monitor process adherence and operational performance through KPI tracking and root cause analysis.
- Drive data‑informed improvement actions that enhance quality, efficiency, capacity, and consistency.
- Support change initiatives in clinics and ensure new ways of working are embedded effectively.
- Identify, test, and scale best practices from high‑performing clinics across the group.
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree
- Preferred: Experience in the health industry, preferably within veterinary care, human healthcare, or dental services
- Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
Knowledge / Experience
- 5+ years of experience in operational improvement, continuous improvement, or lean transformation roles.
- Demonstrated experience coaching leaders and teams in operational excellence methodologies.
- Strong knowledge of process mapping, standardisation, and KPI systems.
- Strong process management experience, including ownership of end‑to‑end processes and governance models.
- Proven ability to work cross‑functionally in complex, multi‑site, multi‑country environments.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently and influence without formal authority.
Key Competencies
- Drives Results
- Priority setting
- Action Oriented
- Influencing without authority
- Creates Collaborative Relationships
- Process Management
Our Offer
- Join a purpose‑driven company and shape the future of veterinary care.
- An industry‑competitive salary and benefits package.
- A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development.
- Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence.
- Hybrid working in an international, digital work environment.
- Learning and development opportunities.
MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.
Operational Excellence Senior Manager employer: AniCura
Contact Detail:
AniCura Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Senior Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at MVH Europe on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding MVH's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goal of creating a better world for pets. Tailor your examples to highlight your operational excellence skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We love hearing about specific situations where you've driven results or improved processes. Be ready to share those success stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Senior Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operational Excellence Senior Manager role. Highlight your experience in operational improvement and any relevant certifications like Lean or Six Sigma.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about making a better world for pets. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles and how you can bring that expertise to MVH Europe.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes! Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate how you've improved processes or efficiencies in past positions. This will help us see the impact you've made and how you can contribute to our goals.
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at AniCura
✨Know Your Operational Excellence Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the key operational excellence frameworks and methodologies, especially Lean and Six Sigma. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Prepare examples of how you've coached teams or leaders in continuous improvement techniques. Highlight specific outcomes that resulted from your coaching, as this demonstrates your ability to influence and drive results without formal authority.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research MVH Europe and its brands like AniCura and Linnaeus. Understand their operational challenges and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals of efficiency and quality of care. Tailoring your answers to their context will make you stand out.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to implement change. Think of specific situations where you've identified opportunities for process standardisation or efficiency improvements, and be ready to walk through your thought process.