Director Of Practice

About the Role

A leadership opportunity has opened at Ashleigh Veterinary Centre for an experienced Director of Practice to oversee the operational and strategic development of this well-established two-site practice. You’ll take the helm of daily operations, working closely with the Area Director and Area Support Manager to implement key initiatives while collaborating with peer groups across the wider business. This is a 40-hour per week, Monday to Friday role (8am–8pm), based primarily at the Chorlton site with regular travel to both locations to effectively lead your team.

The practice is perfectly positioned near Manchester city centre and Old Trafford, with excellent access to the Peak District (30 minutes), Lake District, and beaches—plus motorway links and a 10-minute drive to Manchester Airport. You’ll join a supportive, growth-focused environment where clinical excellence and team development go hand in hand.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a diverse team across two sites, fostering a cohesive, high-performing culture
• Drive sustainable business growth, profitability, and financial forecasting across the practice
• Oversee HR functions including recruitment, staff development, and team wellbeing
• Manage financial operations, marketing, and ensure compliance across all practice functions
• Ensure outstanding patient and client care through excellent team management and clinical oversight
• Manage the Chorlton main branch (small animal, avian, and exotic referral work) and Sale cat clinic, providing both first opinion and referral services
• Collaborate with senior veterinary surgeons to enhance clinical service delivery and maintain the highest standards of care
• Work with the Area Director on strategic initiatives and wider business objectives

Requirements

• Proven management experience in a healthcare setting, ideally managing large single-site or multi-site operations
• Strong track record in supporting outstanding patient and client care through team leadership
• Experience in HR, financial management, and operational compliance
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills, able to work closely with clinical and non-clinical teams
• Significant focus on staff professional development and team wellbeing
• While veterinary industry experience is welcomed, relevant management experience from other healthcare sectors is equally valued

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks plus additional time off for your birthday
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay)
• Lifestyle: Cycle to work scheme, non-accidental injury support, employee wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Development: Learning and development via IVC Evidensia Academy, Quality Improvement Programme
• Additional Perks: Pawsome Benefits (reward gateway with discounts and cashback from 100+ retailers), pension scheme, discounted staff pet care
• Competitive salary up to £60,000 depending on experience

About the Practice

Ashleigh Veterinary Centre has been caring for South Manchester’s pets for 50 years and is built on a strong client base and excellent reputation. The practice operates two sites: the Chorlton main branch provides small animal care alongside an avian and exotic referral clinic (treating cats, dogs, and first opinion and referral exotic patients), and the Sale cat clinic offers consults and routine surgeries. The team is staffed 24 hours a day with dedicated out-of-hours vets and nurses plus auxiliary support for in-patients, demonstrating a genuine commitment to patient welfare and client care.

Ashleigh is RCVS Silver accredited and Rabbit Welfare Silver accredited, reflecting its commitment to high clinical and welfare standards. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a forward-thinking veterinary group committed to diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging. As a Disability Confident Employer, the practice welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and will discuss any reasonable adjustments needed.