Manager of Veterinary Nursing Operations

San Francisco SPCA

$103K — $114K *
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in veterinary medicine with expertise in clinical operations and practice management systems.
  • 3+ years in leadership roles with experience in supervising and developing clinical teams.
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential preferred, but not mandatory.
  • Proven track record of improving veterinary workflows and operational efficiencies.
  • Experience in managing veterinary staff and clinical capacity.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the operations of the hospital nursing team, including process improvement initiatives.
  • Drive client satisfaction by managing the day-to-day flow of practice operations.
  • Own the client and patient journey to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
  • Maintain an on-the-floor presence to enhance operational efficiency and communication.
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts for client experience touchpoints and staff workflows.
  • Ensure compliance with hospital policies regarding DEA, OSHA, and equipment maintenance.
  • Train and supervise RVT and VA team members, providing ongoing coaching and feedback.

Benefits

  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • Life Insurance and Long-term Disability Insurance.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions.
  • Student debt relief program.
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Description

We are seeking a Manager of Veterinary Nursing Operations to lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Hospital Nursing team, ensuring that the client and patient journey, staff workflows, facility, and equipment all function smoothly and support exceptional care. This role champions a culture of operational excellence and reliability, partnering closely with the Nursing Care Manager and hospital leadership to drive process improvements, uphold regulatory compliance (including DEA/Controlled Substances and OSHA requirements), and maintain equipment and facility readiness. With a strong focus on meeting clients where they are at, staff development, and continuous improvement, the Manager ensures the Hospital's operations consistently support the delivery of high-quality, compassionate veterinary care along with exceptional client experience.

This position isn't just about treating patients, it's about caring for animals, supporting people, and strengthening community.

Core Responsibilities:
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the hospital nursing team, to include processes and improvements, in partnership with the Nursing Care Manager
  • Drive the day-to-day flow of the practice with client satisfaction as a top priority.
  • Own the client and patient journey end-to-end, meeting clients where they are to ensure an efficient, seamless experience from start to finish.
  • Maintain active, on-the-floor presence to drive operational efficiency and clear communication, grounded in a relationship-centered approach.
  • Lead continuous improvement of the client experience and key touchpoints to guarantee a seamless visit every time.
  • Lead the development of standard work, ensuring workflows are in place for the team to follow.
  • Assist with development and implementation of hospital policies, including DEA/Controlled Substances and OSHA compliance
  • Owns equipment maintenance and functionality
  • Builds and maintains a preventive maintenance schedule for all medical, surgical, and facility equipment
  • Coordinates with vendors and service technicians for repairs, calibration, inspections, and servicing
  • Maintains accurate equipment inventory, warranty records, service contracts, and maintenance logs
  • Ensures loaner/backup equipment plans are in place to minimize care disruptions during downtime
  • Trains staff on proper equipment use, care, and basic troubleshooting
  • Conducts regular facility and equipment walkthroughs to proactively identify safety, cleanliness, or functionality concerns
  • Participates in driving client visits through enhanced patient care efficiencies and DVM support.
  • Provide on the floor day-to-day coaching and supervision of RVT and VA team members
  • Participate in the planning and goal setting process for the practice and staff
  • Assist with running team and management meetings on a regular basis.
  • Assist in the hiring, coaching, accountability and termination of all team members (to include management team) as needed with support from the Sr. Director of Operations
  • Oversee training of all new team members; ensure all mentors are accurately trained and provide regular feedback
  • Perform employee evaluations and reviews for team members and managers as needed
  • Resolve client concerns and escalations, ensuring follow up communication
  • Perform quality checks and reviews of patient files weekly to ensure accuracy of charges and medical documentation
  • Assist with finding coverage for all call outs, injuries or illnesses as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned


Requirements

Requirements:
  • 5+ years of experience in veterinary medicine, with a strong understanding of veterinary clinical operations, patient flow, appointment scheduling, and veterinary practice management systems.
  • 3+ years of progressive leadership experience, including experience supervising, coaching, developing, and holding veterinary or clinical teams accountable for performance.
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential preferred, but not required.
  • Demonstrated experience leading and improving veterinary workflows and processes, with the ability to identify operational inefficiencies, develop solutions, and implement sustainable improvements.
  • Experience managing or optimizing technician utilization, staffing models, and clinical capacity in a veterinary setting.
  • Strong understanding or veterinary nursing/technician workflows, including animal handling, patient care, treatment flow, and coordination across clinical teams.
  • Experience with veterinary equipment, including routine handling, maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordinating repairs or service as needed.
  • Experience overseeing or improving dental operations and workflows is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to increase operational capacity and efficiency while maintaining high standards of patient care and team performance.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across veterinary, medical, and operational teams.
  • Ability to safely lift and handle animals and equipment as required by the role.
  • Experience as a Practice Manager, Veterinary Practice Manager, Veterinary Technician Supervisor, or other veterinary clinical operations leader is highly valued.


Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
  • Work is performed in a shelter/animal hospital setting
  • Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and climbing stairs while seeing patients
  • Regular sitting at a computer workstation 4-6 hrs per day to input patient data
  • Regularly moves about the campus to coordinate work
  • Exposure to disinfectant solutions when in kennel & treatment areas
  • Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals
  • Repeated lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Consistent exposure to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available


Salary Description: The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. Salary is expected to range between $103,000 - $114,000 per year. Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution matching
  • Student debt relief program
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Discounts on retail and pet supplies
  • Discounts on veterinary care at SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic

Salary Description

$103,000 - $114,000 / year

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