The Veterinary Practice Manager is responsible for overseeing technician operations, workflow efficiency, and medical staff development within a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic. This role provides hands-on clinical leadership, ensures patient safety and compliance, and supports scalable, high-quality care through strong people management and operational execution. The position provides direct oversight and leadership for clinic leads, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants to ensure consistent performance, accountability, and high-quality patient care.
Prevention Services at PAWS Chicago operates out of the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic, serving over 25,000 pets annually with spay/neuter, general surgery, vaccinations and community medicine services. Affordable and accessible spay/neuter is the cornerstone of eliminating pet overpopulation and euthanasia in shelters.
- Clinical Operations & Workflow
- Manage daily technician staffing and assignments across all clinic areas
-
Adjust workflow in real time to maintain surgical efficiency and patient flow
-
Implement new programs, protocols, and initiatives into existing workflows
-
Utilize the electronic medical record system to its full capacity to support documentation, efficiency, and patient movement
-
Serve as the primary on-floor escalation point for technician and workflow issues
- People Leadership, Accountability & Training
- Onboard, train, and mentor technicians and assistants
-
Maintain role-based competency checklists and skills tracking
-
Provide day-to-day coaching, feedback, and corrective guidance
-
Manage conflict, scheduling, accountability, attendance, and performance concerns
-
Identify and develop high-potential team members
-
Serve as a role model and cultural leader, reinforcing professionalism, teamwork, and expectations
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to anesthesia, recovery, and patient safety protocols
-
Immediately address quality or safety concerns
-
Oversee controlled substance handling, documentation, reconciliation, and monitoring
-
Participate in audits, case reviews, and quality improvement initiatives
-
Support compliance with regulatory, organizational, and safety standards
- Equipment, Facilities & Readiness
- Oversee routine equipment checks, inventory management, and operational readiness
-
Coordinate troubleshooting, maintenance, repairs, and replacement needs
-
Ensure clinical spaces are prepared for daily operations and high-volume days
- Client Experience, Events & Partner Coordination
- Handle client concerns, complaints, and service recovery related to clinic operations
-
Serve as a calm, professional point of contact during escalations
-
Plan, prepare for, and execute large-scale spay/neuter events
-
Coordinate staffing, workflow, and equipment needs for special events and high-volume days
Qualifications:
-
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential preferred.
-
Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in a veterinary setting.
-
Minimum of 3 years leadership experience, ideally in a veterinary setting.
-
Proven experience in training or mentoring veterinary staff preferred.
-
Ability to work Sundays; ensure full coverage of schedule with Assistant Manager to ensure one of these positions is scheduled for each surgery day.
-
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
-
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
-
Familiarity with Shelter Medicine and high-volume clinic environments is a plus.
-
Proficiency with training tools and technology.
Physical Requirements
- Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting and grasping
-
Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
-
Able to lift 25lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently and a negligible amount constantly
Benefits:
-
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
-
403(b) retirement plan with employer match
-
Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays
Work Environment: This position will be based at the Medical Center, which houses both the Clinic and Shelter Medicine departments. The role may involve hands-on training in clinical settings, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
Why Join Us? By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of veterinary care in our organization, empowering staff to deliver their best work while advancing animal welfare. If you’re passionate about education, leadership, and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.
Note: This position is posted externally as Practice Manager. The internal title for this role is Assistant Director, Clinical Operations.
