Manager of Veterinary Nursing Operations

SAN FRANCISCO SPCA • San Francisco, CA

10h • $103,000 - $114,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The San Francisco SPCA is a nonprofit organization providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care and financial assistance to pets and their guardians. The Manager of Veterinary Nursing Operations leads the day-to-day operations of the Hospital Nursing team and ensures that client and patient journeys, staff workflows, the facility, and equipment support effective care and an exceptional client experience. Working in partnership with the Nursing Care Manager and hospital leadership, this role drives process improvements, supports regulatory compliance—including DEA/Controlled Substances and OSHA requirements—and maintains equipment and facility readiness. The Manager promotes operational excellence, staff development, continuous improvement, and a relationship-centered approach to care.

This position provides on-the-floor coaching and supervision, oversees team training and performance processes, addresses client concerns, and contributes to hospital planning and goal setting. It also owns equipment maintenance and preventive maintenance planning, coordinates repairs and servicing, and supports continuity of care through backup equipment plans. Work is performed in a shelter/animal hospital setting and includes patient care operations, computer-based patient data entry, movement around the campus, and regular contact with animals, animal allergens, and disinfectant solutions. The role requires the ability to safely lift and handle animals and equipment, including animals weighing up to 50 pounds.

The starting salary is expected to range from $103,000 to $114,000 per year, depending on experience. Regular full-time positions are eligible for the benefits package described in the posting.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in veterinary medicine, with a strong understanding of veterinary clinical operations, patient flow, appointment scheduling, and veterinary practice management systems.
• At least 3 years of progressive leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, developing, and holding veterinary or clinical teams accountable for performance.
• Demonstrated experience leading and improving veterinary workflows and processes, identifying operational inefficiencies, developing solutions, and implementing sustainable improvements.
• Experience managing or optimizing technician utilization, staffing models, and clinical capacity in a veterinary setting.
• Strong understanding of veterinary nursing or technician workflows, including animal handling, patient care, treatment flow, and coordination across clinical teams.
• Experience with veterinary equipment, including routine handling, maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordinating repairs or service.
• Demonstrated ability to increase operational capacity and efficiency while maintaining high standards of patient care and team performance.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across veterinary, medical, and operational teams.
• Ability to safely lift and handle animals and equipment as required.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including repeated lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential.
• Experience overseeing or improving dental operations and workflows.
• Experience as a Practice Manager, Veterinary Practice Manager, Veterinary Technician Supervisor, or other veterinary clinical operations leader.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the hospital nursing team, including processes and improvements, in partnership with the Nursing Care Manager.
• Drive the daily flow of the practice with client satisfaction as a top priority.
• Own the end-to-end client and patient journey, supporting an efficient and seamless experience.
• Maintain an active on-the-floor presence to support operational efficiency, clear communication, and relationship-centered care.
• Lead continuous improvement of the client experience and key touchpoints.
• Develop standard work and ensure workflows are in place for the team.
• Assist with developing and implementing hospital policies, including policies for DEA/Controlled Substances and OSHA compliance.
• Own equipment maintenance and functionality.
• Build and maintain preventive maintenance schedules for medical, surgical, and facility equipment.
• Coordinate with vendors and service technicians for repairs, calibration, inspections, and servicing.
• Maintain accurate equipment inventory, warranty records, service contracts, and maintenance logs.
• Ensure loaner and backup equipment plans are in place to minimize care disruptions during downtime.
• Train staff on proper equipment use, care, and basic troubleshooting.
• Conduct regular facility and equipment walkthroughs to identify safety, cleanliness, or functionality concerns.
• Support client visits through improved patient-care efficiencies and DVM support.
• Coach and supervise RVT and VA team members on the floor.
• Participate in practice and staff planning and goal setting.
• Assist with running regular team and management meetings.
• Assist with hiring, coaching, accountability, and termination of team members, including management team members, as needed and with support from the Sr. Director of Operations.
• Oversee training of new team members, ensure mentors are trained, and provide regular feedback.
• Perform employee evaluations and reviews for team members and managers as needed.
• Resolve client concerns and escalations and ensure follow-up communication.
• Perform weekly quality checks and reviews of patient files for accurate charges and medical documentation.
• Assist with finding coverage for call-outs, injuries, or illnesses as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution matching.
• Student debt relief program.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies.
• Discounts on veterinary care at the SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed