At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated veterinary team and manage daily operations for high-quality animal care.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest international animal welfare charities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health benefits, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary services and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
We have an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, flexible and professional individual with outstanding leadership, organisational and relationship-building skills to join the dedicated Veterinary Team as Practice Manager.
Location: Based at the fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Salary: £44,046 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 8th March. However, we reserve the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found.
About the Role
As Practice Manager, you will be responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the Veterinary Department, ensuring that people, processes, and resources work seamlessly to support the delivery of high-quality clinical services to donkeys, mules and horses within our care.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the point of contact with regards to staff, estates and facilities, fleet, security and budget
- Triaging veterinary service calls and laboratory results
- Managing the duty and out of hours rota
- Directing and managing the veterinary administration team
- Effectively managing the department budget alongside Head of Clinical Services (Clinical Director)
- Handling and approving purchase orders (including capital and overseas payments), processing invoices through procurement/EBIS, and managing stock levels and ordering for farriery supplies.
- Acting as the main point of contact for professional and security contractors
About You
We are looking for someone with demonstrable working knowledge of veterinary clinical service provision. You will have experience of:
- Using legislation, governance and professional standards relevant to the provision of veterinary services to equines in the UK.
- Effective budget management (including preparing, monitoring and reporting) and ability to work within financial constraints.
- Effectively leading a team.
- Working calmly under pressure and managing competing priorities.
You will also have excellent communication, report writing and interpersonal skills and excellent computer literacy skills including database utilisation, email, PowerPoint and Excel.
As part of the process, you will be asked to upload your CV and Cover Letter once you click to apply.
Benefits include:
- Competitive pension.
- Life assurance – 2 x annual salary.
- Healthshield.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan
- Free parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
About the Organisation
The sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.
The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
Veterinary Practice Manager in Exeter employer: Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Practice Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Practice Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in veterinary care. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your leadership and organisational skills, as these are key for a Practice Manager. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won't find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Practice Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Veterinary Practice Manager role. Highlight your leadership and organisational skills, as well as any relevant experience in veterinary services. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your experience with budget management and team leadership. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Practice Manager, communication is key. Make sure your application reflects your excellent interpersonal skills. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us see how you can connect with people and manage relationships effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Donkey Sanctuary
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of veterinary clinical services, especially those related to equines. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and governance standards in the UK. This will not only show your expertise but also your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you managed competing priorities or handled pressure. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your capability as a Practice Manager.
✨Budget Management is Key
Since budget management is a crucial part of this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial oversight. Bring examples of how you've prepared, monitored, and reported on budgets in previous positions. This will highlight your ability to work within financial constraints.
✨Communication is Everything
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with staff, contractors, and other stakeholders. Consider sharing examples of report writing or presentations you've done, as this will showcase your interpersonal skills.