At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in farm veterinary services, driving operational excellence and team development.
- Company: Join Shepton Veterinary Group, a progressive and independently owned practice with over 100 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a modern practice while shaping its future direction.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, strong leadership skills, and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Full-Time | Shepton Veterinary Group – Farm Vets | Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Lead, Innovate and Help Shape the Future of Farm Veterinary Services
Are you an organised, proactive leader with a passion for operational excellence, team development, and continuous improvement? Would you like to play a key role within a progressive, independently owned veterinary practice with ambitious plans for growth? Shepton Veterinary Group is seeking an enthusiastic, forward-thinking Farm Practice Manager to support and drive the continued success of our dedicated farm veterinary team, at a pivotal time for the practice, as we continue to grow and prepare for our move to a brand-new veterinary hospital next year. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced manager who thrives on variety, enjoys solving complex challenges, and wants to make a genuine impact within a modern and innovative farm practice, helping our team thrive as we enter this exciting new chapter.
About Us
Established in 1922, Shepton Veterinary Group has been supporting the farming community for over 100 years. Based in Shepton Mallet, we work with a progressive client base across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset, delivering high-quality farm veterinary services and practical solutions to livestock businesses. As proud members of XLVets, we are committed to collaboration, innovation, and providing exceptional service to our clients.
The Role
As Farm Practice Manager, you will work closely with the Directors, veterinary team and farm office staff to ensure the smooth, efficient and compliant operation of the farm practice. You will lead operational improvements, support strategic projects, and help foster a positive, high-performing culture across the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Directors on operational and strategic projects, including TB tenders, carbon footprinting and social value initiatives.
- Help ensure the farm office runs smoothly, including rota planning, holiday coordination and development planning.
- Support holiday approvals, CPD tracking, compliance and audit requests.
- Maintain high standards across the practice, including regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
- Lead recruitment activity, from drafting job descriptions and advertising roles to coordinating interviews and offers and support a welcoming onboarding process for new team members.
- Help develop, review and embed policies, procedures and best practice ways of working.
- Produce management reports, monitor KPIs and support insight-led decision making.
- Provide day-to-day leadership and support to the farm office team, helping colleagues grow and thrive.
- Encourage open communication and strong collaboration across departments.
- Facilitate internal meetings that keep the team connected, engaged and moving forward together.
- Explore opportunities to use technology and AI to make workflows smarter and more effective.
About You
We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual who can balance operational management with strategic thinking. You will ideally have:
- Proven experience in practice, operations or business management.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
- A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- An interest in innovation, technology and continuous improvement.
- The ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments.
- Experience within the veterinary, agricultural or healthcare sectors would be advantageous, but is not essential.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £40,000, dependent on experience.
- A varied, rewarding and influential role within a progressive farm veterinary practice.
- The opportunity to help shape the future direction of the business.
- A supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment.
- Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
Farm Practice Manager vacancy, Shepton Veterinary Group, Shepton Mallet, Somerset employer: XLVets
Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Hexham. With flexible hours, a balanced workload, and opportunities for professional growth within the XLVets community, employees enjoy a fulfilling career while benefiting from generous annual leave and a diverse caseload that includes consulting, surgery, and medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Practice Manager vacancy, Shepton Veterinary Group, Shepton Mallet, Somerset
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like XLVets often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Practice Manager vacancy, Shepton Veterinary Group, Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what XLVets does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at XLVets
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with XLVets will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at XLVets.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with XLVets.
