Practice Manager - Equine

About the Role

Cliffe Equine Vets, part of the Cliffe Veterinary Group and inspiring vet care, is seeking a dynamic Practice Manager to lead non-clinical operations at their purpose-built equine hospital near Lewes in East Sussex. This full-time role runs Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, with flexibility available by discussion. Based in the vibrant market town of Lewes, you'll enjoy easy access to Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and London Victoria whilst working in a supportive, well-established practice.

You'll work closely with clinical leadership to ensure smooth day-to-day operations, strong team performance, and an outstanding client experience. This is a leadership role where you'll make a tangible difference to both the practice and the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the non-clinical team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture
• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient workflows
• Deliver an excellent client journey from first contact through to follow-up care
• Manage rotas, recruitment, onboarding, and team development
• Drive financial performance, budgeting, and KPI management
• Monitor performance and support practice growth and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with RCVS standards, health and safety, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain facilities, equipment, and stock levels
• Handle client feedback and resolve issues professionally
• Support marketing and community engagement initiatives

Requirements

• Proven experience in a management role, ideally within healthcare, veterinary, or service-led environments
• Strong people management skills including performance management and team development
• Good operational and organisational capability with ability to manage competing priorities
• Experience handling complaints, change, and complex situations with confidence
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Equine knowledge is desirable but not essential

Benefits

• Salary up to £40,000 depending on experience
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Clear career pathways with progression into senior practice or regional leadership roles
• Ongoing learning and development to support leadership and professional growth

About the Practice

Cliffe Equine Vets is part of the Cliffe Veterinary Group and operates under inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice delivers a full range of ambulatory and hospital-based equine services across Sussex and parts of Kent from an RCVS-accredited equine hospital.

Purpose-built facilities include 20 inpatient stables, fully equipped surgical and hospital facilities, advanced diagnostic equipment, and an in-house laboratory for rapid testing. The team is friendly, dedicated, and supportive, operating within a collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.