Operations Manager

About the role

The Ralph is the UK’s largest private, non-corporate multidisciplinary specialist referral centre for dogs and cats. Based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Team Ralph comprises around 260 people working across a busy 24-hour hospital. The new Operations Manager will report to the Operations Director and work closely with the Clinical Director, Assistant Clinical Director and other senior leaders across the hospital. This is a newly created role succeeding the outgoing Clinical Operations Manager, with a structured handover period to support a smooth transition.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance, servicing and repair processes for clinical equipment
• Coordinate equipment requests, approved purchases and implementation
• Lead practical procurement activity across clinical and non-clinical areas
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts and buying-group arrangements within remit
• Oversee day-to-day IT coordination and relationships with external IT providers
• Oversee external cleaning contract and other operational service providers
• Line-manage Clinical Operations Assistants (currently around five people)
• Line-manage the Pharmacy and Inventory Team Leader and oversee operational aspects of stock and inventory management
• Coordinate preparation for the annual stocktake
• Support day-to-day Health and Safety activity, including risk assessments, incident follow-up and agreed actions
• Coordinate pregnancy risk assessments and related workplace adjustments
• Support practical elements of regulatory inspections, audits and compliance activity
• Maintain operational SOPs, guidance and processes within remit
• Monitor relevant operational information and keep the Operations Director informed of significant issues and outstanding actions

About You

Significant experience within the veterinary sector is essential, ideally in a large veterinary hospital or referral environment. RVN status is preferred but not essential. Relevant experience may include roles such as Operations Manager, Hospital Manager, Practice Manager or other substantial veterinary management positions. Formal management or business qualifications are welcome, though relevant experience is prioritised.

We seek someone who is calm, dependable and organised without becoming bureaucratic. The ideal candidate listens before making changes, communicates clearly, follows through, and comfortably works across clinical and non-clinical teams. They understand when to make decisions independently and when to involve others. This is a fully non-clinical management role; clinical experience is valued but routine clinical shifts are not expected.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week across five days, including a one-hour paid lunch break each working day. The role is predominantly site-based with scope for some home working where appropriate. Participation in senior management on-call arrangements includes:

• One weekday overnight on-call period each week
• Participation in the senior weekend and Bank Holiday backup rota, expected to be one weekend in five and one to two Bank Holidays each year

Weekend and Bank Holiday on-call attracts additional pay; weekday overnight on-call does not attract additional payment. TOIL is not provided for these on-call duties.

Benefits

• Salary: £50,000–£60,000 depending on experience
• 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• One-hour paid lunch break each working day
• Private medical insurance
• Flexible and discretionary support for professional fees, CPD and leadership development
• Generous discounts on veterinary care for your own animal companions