At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead non-clinical operations and ensure excellent client experiences at our veterinary practices.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks annual leave, healthcare cash plan, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a collaborative team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven management experience, strong people skills, and operational capability required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ 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 are trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners. We are looking for a Practice Manager to join our friendly and supportive team at Orchard Vets. This is a varied and engaging role, ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, problem-solving and helping practices run efficiently and effectively.
Orchard Vets is a well-established veterinary practice located in the heart of Romsey. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to providing high-quality care, we’ve been serving our community and their beloved pets for 35 years. Following the successful expansion of our Ashurst branch, we are continuing to grow and are excited to be welcoming two additional branches in Fair Oak and Bassett to the Orchard Vets family. We are proud of our supportive culture, collaborative approach and commitment to continual improvement across all areas of the business.
You will be supported by our dedicated Director of Practice, and a friendly, experienced team consisting of Veterinary Surgeons, RVNs, student nurses, animal care assistants and reception/administrative colleagues across our sites. We value teamwork, open communication and creating a positive working environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to develop.
As Practice Manager, you will lead the non-clinical operations of the practice, working closely with clinical leadership 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. This role plays a key part in creating a positive culture and enabling clinical teams to deliver excellent care.
- Day-to-day operational and administrative management of our practices, with particular focus on supporting our reception and administrative teams to deliver an excellent client experience.
- Line management of reception teams
- Health & Safety compliance
- Facilities management and general administration
- Regular presence across our practices in Romsey, Ashurst, Fair Oak and Bassett, supporting the teams at each location and helping maintain consistency across the group.
- Work up to 40 hours per week with shifts between 8am - 7pm on a rota basis. Ability to be flexible with shift patterns. May require occasional Saturday morning reception cover if sickness.
You might be a great fit if you are an experienced people manager with strong leadership capability. You’ll bring:
- Proven experience in a management role with reception and administrative experience essential, ideally within healthcare, veterinary, or service-led environments
- 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
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting you in a senior operational leadership role. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- A key leadership role with responsibility for operational performance and team culture
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into senior practice or regional leadership roles
- Ongoing learning and development to support leadership and professional growth
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What we offer our team:
- 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme
- Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you
- Discounted staff pet care
- Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Practice Manager in Hampshire employer: Inspiring Vet Care
At Orchard Vets, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and collaborative employer, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our team. Located in the heart of Romsey, we offer a vibrant work culture that values open communication and teamwork, alongside clear career pathways for professional development. With generous benefits including 6.6 weeks of annual leave, a healthcare cash plan, and opportunities for ongoing learning, we are committed to creating a fulfilling and rewarding environment for our Practice Manager and all staff members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 Orchard Vets and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of providing excellent care and how you can contribute to their supportive culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed teams, handled complaints, and improved operational efficiency in previous roles. This will demonstrate you're the right fit for the Practice Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Orchard Vets family.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Practice Manager role. Highlight your management experience, especially in reception and administrative settings, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about veterinary care and how your leadership skills can contribute to our supportive culture at Orchard Vets.
Showcase Your People Skills:As a Practice Manager, strong people management is key. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led teams, handled complaints, or improved team performance. We want to see your leadership in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiring Vet Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Practice Manager and the specific responsibilities at Orchard Vets. Familiarise yourself with their values and mission, especially their commitment to high-quality care and teamwork.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Practice Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your experience in people management, how you've handled conflicts, and your approach to developing team members. Share specific examples that highlight your leadership style.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complaints or managing change. Think of real-life situations where you successfully navigated challenges in a healthcare or service environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that show your interest in the practice's culture and future. Ask about their plans for expansion or how they support ongoing learning and development for their staff.