At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and team growth in a dynamic equine veterinary practice.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider, dedicated to animal health.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.8 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Management experience in healthcare or service environments; equine knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we’re trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners. Our Practice Cliffe Equine Vets, part of the Cliffe Veterinary Group, offers a rare opportunity for a dynamic and motivated Practice Manager to lead our friendly and dedicated team. This full‑time role involves 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility options available. Based at our RCVS‑accredited equine hospital in East Sussex, just outside Lewes, the position combines a rewarding career with an excellent location. We deliver a full range of ambulatory and hospital services across Sussex and parts of Kent.
Our purpose‑built facilities include:
- 20 inpatient stables
- Fully equipped surgical and hospital facilities
- Advanced diagnostic equipment
- In‑house laboratory for rapid testing
How you'll make a difference
As Practice Manager, you will lead the non‑clinical operations of the practice, working closely with clinical leadership (CD & Head Nurse) to ensure efficient day‑to‑day running, strong team performance and an outstanding client experience. You’ll be responsible for operational delivery, people management and compliance, while supporting the practice to achieve its performance, quality and service objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, support and develop the non‑clinical team, creating a positive and collaborative culture.
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.
- Deliver an excellent client journey from first contact through to follow‑up care.
- Manage rotas, recruitment, onboarding and team development.
- Drive financial performance, budgeting and KPI management.
- Monitor performance and support practice growth and improvements.
- Ensure compliance with RCVS standards, health & safety and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain facilities, equipment and stock levels.
- Handle client feedback and resolve issues professionally.
- Support marketing and community engagement initiatives.
You might be a great fit if...
- Proven experience in a management role, ideally within healthcare, veterinary or service‑led environments (equine knowledge is desirable but not essential).
- Strong people management skills, including performance management and team development.
- Good operational and organisational capability, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Experience handling complaints, change and complex situations with confidence.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
What we offer our team
- 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- Private medical insurance
- Pension scheme
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Up to £40,000 DOE
Equine Practice Manager: Lead Operations & Team Growth employer: Inspiring Vet Care
At Inspiring Vet Care, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading vet care provider, where our dedicated team is at the core of our mission to ensure healthier animals and happier owners. Located in the picturesque East Sussex, our RCVS-accredited equine hospital offers a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including enhanced family leave and private medical insurance, and a commitment to employee well-being through initiatives like cycle to work schemes. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals and their owners while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Equine Practice Manager: Lead Operations & Team Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission of healthier animals and happier owners, and think about how your experience aligns with that. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. We suggest focusing on common questions related to team management and operational efficiency, as these are key for the Practice Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Equine Practice Manager: Lead Operations & Team Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Veterinary Care:When writing your application, let your love for animals and veterinary care shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission of healthier animals and happier owners.
Highlight Your Management Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous management roles you've held, especially in healthcare or service-led environments. We’re looking for someone who can lead our team effectively, so share specific examples of your leadership skills.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiring Vet Care
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Inspiring Vet Care and Cliffe Equine Vets. Understand their mission, values, and the services they offer. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
As a Practice Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your experience in people management. Think of specific examples where you've successfully developed a team or handled performance issues. This will demonstrate your capability to create a positive and collaborative culture.
✨Prepare for Operational Scenarios
Expect questions about managing day-to-day operations and handling competing priorities. Prepare scenarios from your past experiences where you’ve improved workflows or resolved operational challenges. This will highlight your organisational skills and ability to drive efficiency.
✨Engage with Client Experience Questions
Since delivering an excellent client journey is key, be ready to discuss how you've managed client feedback and resolved issues in previous roles. Share specific instances that showcase your strong communication skills and commitment to client satisfaction.
