Veterinary Practice Manager

Animal Eye Care Center; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Eye Care Center in Gaithersburg, MD, seeks a Veterinary Practice Manager to oversee daily clinic operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a compassionate, patient-centered culture for pets and clients.

The role requires hands-on leadership, frontline and administrative oversight, and collaboration with veterinarians and staff to maintain the highest standard of care and service while supporting growth and team development.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a veterinary clinic or medical practice preferred.
• Ability to oversee daily operations, regulatory compliance, and marketing integration.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a focus on customer service.

Responsibilities

• Promote a patient-centered environment and lead front desk operations.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and clinic coverage to ensure smooth patient flow.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and ensure regulatory compliance (OSHA/DEA/EEOC/ADA).
• Monitor clinic cleanliness, safety, and adherence to protocols; participate in staff training and development.
• Coordinate inventory management, accounting tasks, and end-of-day financial reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Administration

Veterinary practice management

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Time management

Communication

Team supervision

Personnel decisions

English grammar

Education

College degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Animal Eye Care Center is an established specialty veterinary ophthalmology clinic located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, proudly serving our community for over 25 years. Led by Medical Director Dr. Erick Smith and Dr. Amy Baker, our practice brings decades of dedicated experience in veterinary ophthalmology and advanced specialty care. We are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care by partnering with pet owners and referring veterinarians to achieve the best outcomes and highest quality of life for each patient.

Our continued growth presents an excellent career opportunity for dedicated professionals who want to thrive alongside an experienced, supportive team. We pride ourselves on exceptional standards of care and a personalized focus on every patient. Join us and become part of a dynamic team making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their families.

Job Description: Veterinary Practice Manager

Position Summary

The Practice Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the clinic, ensuring optimal performance. The Practice Manager ensures the clinic meets all federal and state regulatory requirements, adheres to marketing campaigns and promotional guidelines, maintains a clean and welcoming environment, and fosters team morale. This role requires a proactive leader who can inspire the team, maintain a high standard of care, and promote a strong clinic culture. As a hands‑on operational leader, this role will step in to cover Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) duties on the floor whenever needed for training purposes. Strong experience and technical knowledge as a CVT are highly preferred. The core focus of this role is to deliver an exceptional customer experience by demonstrating compassion, confidence, and professionalism in every interaction—with patients, clients, and team members.

Reports to: Veterinarian, District Leadership, Operations Manager and/or Practice Owners.

Job Responsibilities

• Clinic Image: Promote a patient-centered environment. Greet all visitors with professionalism, sensitivity, and tact to leave a lasting positive impression.
• Front Desk Oversight: Lead front desk operations including answering phones, checking patients in/out, and ensuring smooth client flow.
• Team Culture: Foster a positive, team‑oriented environment where feedback is welcomed and valued. Support the hospital, doctors, and practice philosophy through your actions. Lead with enthusiasm, handle multiple tasks with a smile, and bring a solution-focused, go‑getter attitude to our family-oriented clinic.
• Human Resources Support: Partner with the District Leadership on employee reviews. Celebrate team victories and milestones such as birthdays and work anniversaries. Participate in weekly leadership meetings, provide valuable feedback and suggestions and communicate key updates to staff.
• Administrative Duties: Help develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for front desk and customer care areas. Ensure the clinic meets all regulatory and compliance requirements, including those set by OSHA, DEA, EEOC, ADA, and the Department of Labor. Keep required documentation organized and up to date. Contribute to the company marketing initiatives and other administrative assignments.
• Scheduling & Staffing: Manage staff schedules to ensure the clinic is adequately covered. Provide support or coverage in your own clinic or partner locations when needed.
• Clinic Coverage: Serve as a keyholder. Open and close the clinic as scheduled. Be available to step in for other Practice or Office Managers if needed.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor clinic cleanliness and appearance. Address issues promptly to maintain a professional, safe environment. Follow established checklists for standards of care, opening/closing routines, and federal/state guidelines.
• Training & Development: Participate in clinic training programs. Identify areas where additional training is needed, facilitate and coach. Encourage a growth mindset and support staff as the clinic continues to evolve.
• Inventory Management: Oversee medical and office supply inventory. Ensure adequate stock is available and supplies and equipment are stored and maintained properly. Track usage rates and manage reordering as needed. Ensure equipment is serviceable and readily available for use.
• Accounting: Manage end-of-day reports, clinic expenses and transaction/refund disputes. Complete weekly bank deposits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Controls Over Work

The Practice Manager reports to the District Manager/Chief Operating Officer (COO) and practice owners. Works independently within the established guidelines and clinic policies. Consults with the District Manager/COO and owners for unusual or complex issues and provides recommended solutions. Exercises sound judgment and follows accepted veterinary management principles. Performance is reviewed through record audits, problem resolution, and demonstrated leadership in daily clinic operations.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the relationship between administrative functions and clinical care in a veterinary setting.
• Knowledge of veterinary practice management principles and ability to apply them effectively, thereby enabling practitioners to focus fully on patient care and the practice of medicine.
• Proficient in hospital protocols, both documented and expected.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities; clinical decisions are deferred to licensed practitioners.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and time management.
• Business and accounting acumen, with a working knowledge of veterinary operations.
• Technologically proficient; skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), email, and practice management software.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on client satisfaction and service quality.
• Effective communication and leadership skills; able to manage, motivate, and support staff.
• Fair and unbiased judgment in personnel decisions, including conflict resolution and disciplinary action.
• Solid command of English grammar, spelling, and written communication.
• Critical thinking skills - able to evaluate problems logically and provide practical solutions.
• 3 years of supervisory experience and college degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Physical Obligations

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• You must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus.
• Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.

Travel Requirements

Travel may be required to cover in nearby locations, attend meetings or participate in training sessions.