Operations Manager

My client, located on the east side of York, is a long‑established and highly respected farm‑animal veterinary practice that has built its reputation over many years by delivering consistently high‑quality livestock care, developing strong partnerships with farming communities, and investing in both modern facilities and a dedicated team of skilled veterinary professionals.

As part of its strategic growth, the practice is seeking a highly organised and experienced Operations Manager to oversee day‑to‑day operations across the business. This includes Warehousing, Sales, Customer Service, and Veterinary Services—all essential to maintaining high standards of livestock care. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a proactive individual with strong operational and leadership experience to support a growing practice focused on rural enterprises and the farming community.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvements in productivity, implementing innovative processes that enhance efficiency, support herd and flock health services, and improve the overall client experience for agricultural customers.
• Manage all practice reporting, including budgeting, billing, stock control, and financial performance reporting.
• Lead key HR functions, such as recruitment, staff training, performance management, and employee wellbeing.
• Ensure compliance with veterinary legislation, agricultural health requirements, and all relevant health & safety standards—both on-site and during farm visits.
• Coordinate client communications to optimise workflows and ensure timely support for farmers and livestock managers.
• Maintain exceptional client care standards, offering a professional, solutions‑focused approach at all times.
• Develop and implement new operational policies and procedures to support business efficiency and growth.
• Liaise with suppliers and service partners, ensuring effective procurement, equipment maintenance, and smooth operation of the practice and associated store or warehouse functions.
• Support marketing and community‑engagement initiatives to strengthen the practice’s presence within the local agricultural sector.
• Oversee the smooth daily running of the practice, ensuring consistency, reliability, and operational excellence.

Skills & Experience

• Strong management capability, ideally gained within the agricultural or veterinary sectors, with a focus on operational efficiency.
• Robust financial management skills, including experience with budgeting and financial reporting.
• Good knowledge of HR processes, including recruitment, staff development, and wellbeing.
• Ability to prioritise effectively within a fast‑paced, service‑driven environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with confidence when liaising with farmers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Proven leadership ability, with a track record of motivating teams, leading by example, and fostering a positive working culture.
• Experience using SAGE200 and Phocus (or similar systems) is essential. Training can be provided for the right candidate.

This role is ideal for a motivated and forward‑thinking professional who wants to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic agricultural veterinary practice. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational excellence while contributing to the wellbeing of staff and the farming communities the practice supports.