Practice Manager at Grand Ave Veterinary Hospital

Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital•West Des Moines, IA

1d•$45,000 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital has been proudly serving the West Des Moines, Des Moines, Norwalk, Urbandale, Clive, and surrounding communities since the 1950s. We provide comprehensive, progressive care to dogs and cats in a welcoming, family-friendly setting where clients are on a first-name basis with our doctors and staff. Our focus is on building strong, lasting relationships with pets and their people while practicing high-quality medicine. Our medical team includes: Dr. Christine Wauhob , a 1998 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been with the practice since 2005. She works part-time with a strong focus on oncology, pathology, and internal medicine. Dr. Christine is known for her thorough diagnostic work-ups and does not perform surgical procedures. Dr. Emily Gearig , a 2011 graduate of Iowa State University, joined our practice in July 2023 and became managing DVM in October 2023. With 12 years of mixed animal experience in Ohio, Dr. Emily brings a wide skill set, including certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (chiropractic care) since 2018. She also provides laser therapy, soft tissue surgery, dental/oral surgery, and ultrasound. Dr. Adam Steffensmeier , a 2025 graduate of Iowa State University, is the newest addition to our team, bringing fresh knowledge and enthusiasm to our practice. Our doctors are supported by a dedicated team of veterinary technicians and support staff who are passionate about patient care, client education, and teamwork. At Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital, we take pride in blending progressive medicine with a small-town, personal feel. More about the Role Reporting to the Regional Director of Operations, the Practice Manager manages all essential business functions in veterinary practice and supports the practice teams. The Practice Manager works in partnership with the Managing Doctor (MDVM) to ensure successful practice operations, high client satisfaction, and to manage practice teams. In collaboration with the MDVM, the Practice Manager is responsible for ensuring profitability of the practice, growing the business and all the while protecting the practice legacy. The critical focus areas to drive the desired success fall under the following umbrellas: Practice Operations, HR, Marketing, Strategic Planning, and IT Management. The Practice Manager must be a strong people manager, possess great business acumen and enjoy leading and developing a team. Additionally, ensure the practice has engaged and productive teams that are driving high-quality patient care and exceptional client service.

Requirements

Full-time, on-site, ability to work on weekends when needed
High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in applied science, veterinary technology, or business a plus; Practice Manager Certification a plus
Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance
Knowledge of OSHA safety techniques including use of proper PPE
Excellent computer skills including MS office applications, office technology, etc.
Basic math and ability to calculate medication dosages
Strong communication skills
Client service experience

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in applied science, veterinary technology, or business
Practice Manager Certification

Responsibilities

Manages practice financial performance, putting plans in place and engaging teams around activities that drive revenue for growth.
Manages practice expenses including pharmacy, supplies, labor, and facility.
Ensures appropriate inventory management including an appropriate balance of regular stock and sales.
Manages and partners with MDVM to ensure accurate pricing is applied.
Provides input during annual budget planning.
Creates new or analyzes existing performance reports and generates insights to improve performance.
Applies knowledge and understanding of veterinary practice management in directing successful daily operations, thereby allowing the doctors and technicians the time to successfully manage workload.
Ensures that all practice technology is appropriately working.
Ensures compliance with appropriate regulatory agencies, including monitoring practice violations and dangerous situations; documenting and reporting incidents, filling reports, and partnering with RDO when appropriate.
Ensures the cleanliness of the practice; ensures the environment contributes to an excellent client experience.
Responsible for all staff scheduling and ensures patient scheduling is done to satisfy clients and team members.
Manages necessary vendor and supplier relationships to ensure quality support for practice supplies, tools, equipment, and resources.
Responsible for timely and accurate tracking of employee payroll; maintaining payroll records; ensuring compliance with all applicable payroll regulations; addressing employee payroll inquiries; and resolving discrepancies.
Responsible for accounts payable duties including, processing invoices, verifying purchases, and reconciling discrepancies, and maintaining accurate records.
Partners with MDVM to maintain an appropriate medical record system that complies with legal standards.
Regularly reviews client feedback and identifies opportunities for practice improvement.
Actively engages with clients to ensure satisfaction and resolve problems.
Collaborates with Heartland Marketing to develop and implement a marketing strategy aligned with practice goals.
Additional responsibilities include overseeing social media, fostering community relationships, and supporting local initiatives.
Ensures that team is appropriately staffed and partners with Heartland’s Recruiting team to fill open requisitions.
Effectively builds and nurtures relationships with key stakeholders—including veterinarians, support staff, distributor representatives, and support center partners—to drive the practice's success.
Actively seeks opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, elevate the client experience, and support sustainable practice growth through strategic partnerships.
Supports practice, when necessary, by working in the client reception area or if technically skilled may support Veterinarians.
Partners with Heartland Support Center as needed.
Partners with MDVM to ensure all team members adhere to practice operating procedures; ensures the accuracy and completeness of veterinary records; ensures that reports comply with accepted practice guidelines.
Ensures compliance with regulatory agencies and laws including OSHA, DEA, EEOC, ADA, and the Department of Labor; Develops and maintains procedures necessary to meet regulatory requirements.
Ensures all team members complete annual compliance related activities including review and sign off on policies, compliance training, and safety training.
Maintains a high degree of confidentiality; secure all employee records, ensure team member performance is discussed only with individual team members, etc.
Executes annual performance evaluations and salary increases.
Conducts regular staff meetings, trainings, and team activities.
Partners with RDO and Heartland’s Human Resources team to navigate employee relations situations, company policy, or other labor law issues.
Conducts regular check-ins with team members to ensure they have the tools and support they need to successfully complete their jobs and deliver a great client experience.
Ensures all team members are engaged and have the support they need to stay balanced and productive.
Monitors that the performance of each team member is on track.
Rewards and recognizes successful performance and manages corrective action activities if performance is off track (partners with RDO/DVM on clinical performance improvement needs).
Appropriate seeks support from RDO, Heartland Human Resources, or other Heartland team members to ensure team success.
Ensures professional development and regular feedback are provided to all team members.
Other duties as assigned.