Farm Practice Manager vacancy, Shepton Veterinary Group, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

XLVets; Shepton Mallet; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

XLVets and Shepton Mallet-based Shepton Veterinary Group are seeking a proactive Farm Practice Manager to lead the farm veterinary team, drive operational excellence, and shape strategic initiatives as the practice grows. The role combines leadership with hands-on management to ensure a smooth, compliant farm service operation.

The successful candidate will oversee recruitment, policy development, and project delivery while promoting collaboration across departments, as the practice moves toward

Qualifications

• Proven experience in practice, operations or business management.
• Experience leading diverse teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Work with Directors on operational and strategic projects.
• Oversee farm office operations including rota planning and holidays.
• Support CPD tracking, compliance and audits.
• Lead recruitment, job descriptions, interviews and onboarding.
• Develop and embed policies, procedures and best practices.
• Produce management reports and monitor KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Operational planning

Strategic thinking

Process improvement

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Change management

Job description

Farm Practice Manager vacancy, Shepton Veterinary Group, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Farm Practice Manager

Full-Time | Shepton Veterinary Group – Farm Vets | Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Lead, Innovate and Help Shape the Future of Farm Veterinary Services

Are you an organised, proactive leader with a passion for operational excellence, team development, and continuous improvement? Would you like to play a key role within a progressive, independently owned veterinary practice with ambitious plans for growth?

Shepton Veterinary Group is seeking an enthusiastic, forward-thinking Farm Practice Manager to support and drive the continued success of our dedicated farm veterinary team, at a pivotal time for the practice, as we continue to grow and prepare for our move to a brand-new veterinary hospital next year.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced manager who thrives on variety, enjoys solving complex challenges, and wants to make a genuine impact within a modern and innovative farm practice, helping our team thrive as we enter this exciting new chapter.

About Us

Established in 1922, Shepton Veterinary Group has been supporting the farming community for over 100 years. Based in Shepton Mallet, we work with a progressive client base across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset, delivering high-quality farm veterinary services and practical solutions to livestock businesses.

As proud members of XLVets, we are committed to collaboration, innovation, and providing exceptional service to our clients.

The Role

As Farm Practice Manager, you will work closely with the Directors, veterinary team and farm office staff to ensure the smooth, efficient and compliant operation of the farm practice. You will lead operational improvements, support strategic projects, and help foster a positive, high-performing culture across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Directors on operational and strategic projects, including TB tenders, carbon footprinting and social value initiatives.
• Help ensure the farm office runs smoothly, including rota planning, holiday coordination and development planning.
• Support holiday approvals, CPD tracking, compliance and audit requests.
• Maintain high standards across the practice, including regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
• Lead recruitment activity, from drafting job descriptions and advertising roles to coordinating interviews and offers and support a welcoming onboarding process for new team members.
• Help develop, review and embed policies, procedures and best practice ways of working.
• Produce management reports, monitor KPIs and support insight-led decision making.
• Provide day-to‑day leadership and support to the farm office team, helping colleagues grow and thrive.
• Encourage open communication and strong collaboration across departments.
• Facilitate internal meetings that keep the team connected, engaged and moving forward together.
• Explore opportunities to use technology and AI to make workflows smarter and more effective.

About You

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual who can balance operational management with strategic thinking.

You will ideally have:

Proven experience in practice, operations or business management.

Strong leadership and people management skills.

Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

The ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.

A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.

An interest in innovation, technology and continuous improvement.

The ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments.

Experience within the veterinary, agricultural or healthcare sectors would be advantageous, but is not essential.

What We Offer

Competitive salary of £40,000, dependent on experience.

A varied, rewarding and influential role within a progressive farm veterinary practice.

The opportunity to help shape the future direction of the business.

A supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment.

Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.