Practice Manager

About the Role

This is a leadership opportunity to step into the heart of Castle Vets’ operations in Reading. Working closely with the Clinical Director, Head Nurse, Head Receptionist, and Finance Administrator, you’ll drive both the strategic direction and day-to-day efficiency of a well-respected small animal hospital. The role is flexible between 8am–7pm, available as full-time, part-time, or a combination that suits you.

You’ll be managing a team of six experienced vets and 12 supportive nurses in a practice known for high clinical standards and genuine compassionate care. This is a people-facing role where relationship-building, team development, and client experience sit at the core of what you’ll do.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations and smooth running of the practice
• Lead, manage, and develop the practice team of vets, nurses, and support staff
• Drive financial performance, manage budgeting, and track KPI progress
• Ensure compliance with clinical standards, regulatory requirements, and health & safety
• Deliver and champion exceptional client service and patient care standards
• Support recruitment, staff onboarding, and performance management
• Foster a collaborative, accountable culture that encourages knowledge sharing and innovation

Requirements

• Proven management or leadership experience (veterinary or healthcare background is desirable but not essential)
• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to motivate and engage diverse teams
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing competing priorities
• Organised, proactive, and solutions-focused approach
• Genuine passion for people development and delivering outstanding client care

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, additional birthday time off, and increasing leave based on length of service
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay), cycle to work scheme, and non-accidental injury support
• Development: CPD allowance, learning and development via the IVC Evidensia Academy, access to Vetlexicon, infection prevention and control programme, and quality improvement programme
• Additional Perks: Discretionary performance-based bonus scheme, Pawsome Benefits (reward gateway with 100s of retailer discounts and cashback), pension scheme, and discounted staff pet care

About the Practice

Castle Vets Pet Healthcare Centre is a well-established, small animal hospital located in the centre of Reading with a strong reputation for high clinical standards and compassionate care. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a global network of over 2,500 clinics and hospitals across 20 countries employing around 41,000 people and caring for approximately 25,000 animals every day.

The team at Castle Vets comprises six vets with over 10 years’ qualifications and 12 supportive nurses. The practice fosters a collaborative, supportive culture with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, clinical excellence, and embracing fresh ideas and innovation.