Urgent Care Veterinary Practice Manager

UrgentVet; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plan

401k match

Paid time off (PTO)

Six weeks parental leave

Tuition assistance

Discounted veterinary care

Bonus potential

Job summary

UrgentVet is seeking an experienced Veterinary Practice Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and an after-hours acute care delivery model. You will lead the hospital team, promote a positive culture, and ensure financial stability while upholding the UrgentVet ethos.

The role reports to the Regional Director of Operations and requires overseeing 40–45 hours weekly, including nights and weekends. You will advocate for patients and collaborate with veterinarians to maintain high care standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in veterinary medicine, people management, and comfort working alongside veterinarians.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations for after-hours acute care delivery.
• Lead and cultivate a positive work culture within the hospital team.
• Advocate for patients with a Pet-First, Client-First philosophy.
• Report to the Regional Director of Operations, UrgentVet.
• Coordinate work schedule: 40-45 hours per week, including nights and weekends (no overnight).

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Effective communication

Leadership

Team management

Conflict resolution

Financial management

Time management

De-escalation

Job description

Role Overview

Are you an experienced Veterinary Practice Manager with a passion for team leadership and veterinary business operations?

Department: UrgentVet Hospitals • Location: UrgentVet – West Des Moines

About UrgentVet

UrgentVet is redefining the urgent veterinary care experience by bridging the gap between daytime general practice and emergency/overnight care. We provide after‑hours care for canine and feline patients without additional emergency clinic fees. Our single‑doctor practices offer care for common urgent cases, including wound management, ear infections, vomiting/diarrhea, and euthanasia. All clinics are paperless, with cloud‑based EMR, digital x‑ray, and a full suite of IDEXX in‑house lab equipment.

About the Position

The Practice Manager is pivotal in the hospital team, overseeing day‑to‑day operations to ensure efficient after‑hours acute care delivery while fostering a positive work culture.

As the Practice Manager, your mission is to lead your team and oversee your hospital in harmony with the UrgentVet ethos, actively cultivating culture, engagement, efficiency, growth, and financial stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Advocacy: Be the advocate for patients and uphold a “Pet‑First, Client‑First” philosophy.
• Community Engagement and Brand Ambassadorship: Nurture collaborative relationships with referring veterinarians and local businesses.
• Inclusive Workplace Culture: Foster a safe and inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated.
• Reports to the Regional Director of Operations, UrgentVet.
• Work schedule: 40‑45 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays (no overnight). Hours are 3‑11 pm on weekdays and 10 am‑8 pm on weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in veterinary medicine, people management, and comfort working alongside veterinarians.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Emotional Intelligence and Communication

• Strong emotional intelligence; empathy, effective communication, and trust building.
• Excellent active listening and timely follow‑up.
• High self‑awareness and willingness to receive feedback.
• Skilled in de‑escalation, conflict resolution, negotiation, and persuasion.

Leadership and Team Management

• Innate leadership skills: humility, vision, calculated risk‑taking.
• Decision‑making confidence; inspire and motivate others.
• Trustworthy, reliable, maintain confidentiality.
• Prior management experience, preferably in veterinary or related field; focus on leading and developing teams.
• Teachable mindset; strong desire to learn.
• Accountability, proactive problem solving, collaboration and inclusivity.
• Delegation proficiency and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Professionalism in all interactions.

Operational Expertise and Business Acumen

• Specific knowledge of veterinary practice operations and industry standards.
• Critical thinking; analyze situations and make sound decisions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
• Effective time management and priority setting.
• Proactive issue identification and resolution.
• Strong business acumen and financial management principles.

Benefits

• Career advancement with clinic expansion.
• Tuition assistance for prospective Veterinary Technician students.
• Tuition reimbursement for Credentialed/Registered Veterinary Technicians.
• Impacting community and helping animals.
• Health care plan (medical, dental & vision options).
• 401k match.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Six weeks of paid parental leave.
• One work/life balance day off.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability options.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• Discounted veterinary care.
• Scrub allowance.
• Hands‑on and e‑training.
• Professional growth opportunities.
• Bonus potential based on performance.