Practice Manager

VetPartners; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real career pathways

Paid parental leave

Health & wellbeing support

Discounts on goods & services

Pet care benefits

ANZ network access

Job summary

VetPartners Port Melbourne is seeking a skilled Practice Manager to lead a close-knit veterinary team and shape clinic operations. You will have autonomy to run the clinic, build the culture, and collaborate with a strong network of clinics.

You'll work with a Regional Manager and the Lead Vet to align clinical and operational goals, ensuring a supportive environment for staff and clients. This role predominantly follows a Monday–Friday schedule in a well-established practice.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years' experience in a Practice Manager or similar leadership role.
• Veterinary background required; veterinary nursing preferred.
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or strong experience in lieu of formal qualifications.
• Confident people leader with coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgets and KPIs.
• Experience with HR, recruitment and performance management.
• Excellent client communication and complaints handling.
• Experience with practice management systems (EzyVet).
• Solid understanding of compliance, WHS and operational best practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and support a team of veterinarians, nurses and support staff.
• Manage clinic operations including rostering, stock control, systems and compliance.
• Oversee financial performance – budgets, P&L, KPIs and reporting.
• Drive high standards of client experience and service excellence.
• Manage HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management.
• Handle client feedback and complaints with professionalism.
• Collaborate with Lead Vet and Head Nurse to align goals.

Skills

People leadership

Budgeting

HR management

Client communication

Compliance & WHS

Practice management systems

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Tools

EzyVet

Job description

Lead a close knit veterinary team, shape clinic operations, and make a real impact.

Practice Manager | Port Melbourne Vet | Full Time

Lead a close knit veterinary team, shape clinic operations, and make a real impact.

About the Clinic

Port Melbourne is a well established small animal practice serving the community since 1997. We have 2 Full time and 1 Part-time Vets, supported by 7 experienced Nurses and animal attendants. We provide high quality general practice care for pets, along with some of the local wildlife especially with the beach so close by.

Our clinic is known for its friendly, professional culture, strong client relationships, and a genuine team first mindset. We take pride in running a well organised, welcoming hospital where both pets and people feel supported.

With a huge variety of cafés to choose from, you can enjoy your favourite coffee and pastries before taking a short stroll to the beach, soaking up the sunshine on your lunch break.

About the Role

You'll work closely with a Regional Manager from the industry who will support both you and the Lead Vet, giving you the autonomy and trust to treat the clinic as if it were your own. Yes, there are some things that need to be done, but overall, this will be your clinic. You'll have the opportunity to shape the culture, build your team, and create the kind of workplace you've always dreamed of working in.

You'll also be part of a supportive group of clinics where Practice Managers share ideas, knowledge, and practical support. Whether you need inspiration for a new initiative, a nurse to cover an unexpected shift, or even find yourself urgently running out of a medication, you'll have a network of people who will be there to help.

You're never expected to do it all on your own. You'll have the autonomy to lead your clinic your way, while knowing there's a strong team behind you whenever you need them.

This will predominantly be a Monday-Friday role, offering stability, autonomy, and the opportunity to truly own your clinic.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading, coaching, and supporting a team of veterinarians, nurses, and support staff
• Managing clinic operations including rostering, stock control, systems, and compliance
• Overseeing financial performance - budgets, P&L, KPIs, and reporting
• Driving a high standard of client experience and service excellence
• Managing HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and development
• Handling client feedback and complaints with professionalism and care
• Working in partnership with the Lead Vet and Head Nurse to align clinical and operational goals

What We're Looking For

You're already working in a Practice Manager or similar leadership role and are ready to take ownership of a busy, well run veterinary clinic.

• 1-2 years' experience in a Practice Manager or comparable role
• Veterinary background required - veterinary nursing background preferred
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or strong experience in lieu of formal qualifications
• Confident people leader with a coaching and mentoring approach
• Strong financial acumen, including budgets, KPIs, and business performance
• Experience with HR, recruitment, and performance management
• Excellent client communication and complaints handling skills
• Experience with practice management systems (EzyVet)
• Solid understanding of compliance, WHS, and operational best practice

We Know This Industry Isn't Without Its Challenges - And We Take That Seriously.

Your wellbeing is not an afterthought here. We're committed to a safe, supportive environment backed by real safety standards, EAP support, a Mental Health First Aid network, and the Best for Pet Wellness Plan - because the people who care for animals deserve to be looked after too.

Small Clinic Feel. Big Network Behind You.

Port Melbourne Vet is proudly part of VetPartners - Australia and New Zealand's largest veterinary care network of 270+ clinics and a community of over 1,000 vets and nurses united by a genuine love for animals. Joining us means joining something bigger - a network that invests in your growth, your wellbeing, and your future.

Here's what that looks like:

Real career pathways - grow into senior leadership, regional roles, or broaden your operational expertise

Paid parental leave - flexible programs for primary and secondary carers, plus a return to work bonus

Health & wellbeing support - EAP, Mental Health First Aid network, and fitness benefits

Everyday discounts & perks - 100+ discounts on fuel, groceries, entertainment, travel, and more

Pet benefits - savings on pet care and insurance for your own furry family

Connected community - access to a network of over 4,000 vets and nurses across ANZ

Sound Like Your Kind of Place?

VetPartners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.