About us

Lort Smith, Melbourne’s Animal Hospital, is an icon, serving its people and animals for 87 years by providing exceptional veterinary care and preserving the human-animal bond irrespective of a person’s circumstance. We are Australia’s biggest not-for-profit animal hospital treating over 20,000 animals a year across two locations.

Join us in our newly redeveloped North Melbourne Hospital, in a modern state of the art building with improved spaces for patients and updated facilities to support the wellbeing and operations of our hard-working staff.

What does working at Lort Smith mean?

We are an independent not-for-profit. We are rewarded through our impact in the community – and our team holds the same values.
Being a community driven organisation means connection - we are here because of our belief in the human-animal bond which goes beyond companionship and the impact we have and leave on the world.

About the role

In this newly created role, the Practice Manager – Inpatients & Surgery will report through to the Head Vet - Inpatients and Head Vet - Surgery. This role is crucial for the effective management and leadership at Lort Smith and the provision of services consistent with strategic and operational plans. Most critically, is its role in building and sustaining a service that delivers high quality care, has a focus on innovation and service improvement, builds strong relationships with key stakeholders and has a client-centred approach.

Key responsibilities

• Efficient and effective management of the department to meet operational targets.
• Day to day managing, monitoring and forward planning for optimal use of people and resources within the department.
• Ongoing service improvement and workforce innovation to ensure the provision of high-quality veterinary services.
• Provide leadership and support for direct/indirect reports.
• Ensure all employees complete mandatory, targeted and other required training related to their role.
• Develop and implement financial strategies to ensure budgetary targets are met.
• Maintain staffing levels as per agreed workforce plan.

About you

You’re confidentially able to deliver a high level of communication and professionalism in your everyday. You find motivation in fostering a positive work environment. You are resilient, and able to handle challenges by finding appropriate solutions when required. You are aware of how your behaviour impacts others and the organisation. You foster collaboration across teams, understanding the importance of building a team. You know what it takes to drive organisational success through operational efficiencies and strategies.

You will also have:

• Minimum of Cert IV in VN or equivalent.
• 5+ years of management experience, preferably in the veterinary industry.
• Demonstrated significant and effective P&L experience.
• High emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• Ability to motivate, develop and lead a diverse professional team.
• History of improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs.
• Proven ability to improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs.
• Positive and optimistic outlook.
• Experience working within the NFP sector (desirable, not essential).
• Ability to commit to a full-time Sunday-Thursday roster.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• Outstanding support from a highly skilled team.
• Wellbeing support, EAP and in-house chaplaincy.
• Great discounts on veterinary treatment, products and pet insurance.
• Pet friendly policies – you can bring your pet to work.

To learn more about Lort Smith and the work we do, please visit: www.lortsmith.com or look us up on Instagram.

Contact us via [email protected] using the subject line: Practice Manager - Inpatients & Surgery enquiry via EthicalJobs if you'd like us to send you a position description.

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and making a difference, please click "Apply Now".

Lort Smith is a great place to work. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively support workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.

Preferred applicants will be asked to consent in writing for Lort Smith Animal Hospital to conduct a police check and each application will be individually considered on its merits.

Please contact [email protected]  using the subject line: Practice Manager - Inpatients & Surgery enquiry via EthicalJobs if you would like further information.