Director of Operations

Description & Requirements

Director of Operations - Equine

NVA Equine, part of the larger National Veterinary Associates organization is one of the leading communities of equine veterinary teams with 150 + full-time veterinarians, 25+ ambulatory and hospital-based practices. We support our thriving equine network where and when they it most - in the rig, on the road, or in the barn.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading the operational, financial, and people performance of a portfolio of equine veterinary practices. This position partners closely with Managers of Regional Operations, Managing Veterinarians, Practice Managers, and support center leaders to drive operational excellence, sustainable growth including business development, and strong team engagement.

The Director of Operations serves as a strategic business leader who understands the unique dynamics of equine veterinary operations, including ambulatory surgical services, livestock (Equine)-focused client relationships, seasonal business fluctuations, practitioner succession planning, and multi-location operations. The role is accountable for achieving operational and financial goals while preserving the culture, medical standards, and reputation of each practice.

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide oversight and support to a portfolio of equine veterinary practices.
• Develop operational strategies that improve efficiency, scalability, and service delivery.
• Standardize as needed and share best practices while recognizing the unique needs of individual practices and markets.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement action plans to address any gaps.
• Lead integration, transition, and change management initiatives as needed.

Financial Management

• Work though MRO and practice leadership team to drive practice financial performance, including revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow management.
• Provide oversight of practice budgets, forecasting, and expense management.
• Analyze business trends and operational metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with FP&A and practice leadership to develop annual operating and strategic plans.
• Ensure accountability for P&L performance across portfolio or equine business.

Practice Partnership & Clinical Collaboration

• Partner with Managing Veterinarians to align operational priorities with exceptional patient care.
• Support the successful recruitment, onboarding, and retention of veterinarians and key leaders.
• Collaborate with practice leadership to optimize staffing, scheduling, and resource utilization.
• Foster strong relationships with practice owners, leaders, clients, and community stakeholders.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop Manager of Regional Operation and Practice Managers.
• Build leadership capability and succession plans across the business unit.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Partner with Human Resources to address workforce planning, talent development, performance management, and employee relations matters.
• Support organizational initiatives that strengthen culture and retention.

Strategic Growth

• Identify opportunities for organic growth, operational expansion, and service line development.
• Support acquisition integration and practice transition efforts.
• Evaluate market opportunities and competitive positioning.
• Partner with recruiting, marketing, procurement, and business operations leaders to achieve strategic objectives.
• Lead Business Development efforts to expand market geography through tuck in/roll up of solo or smaller practices.

Key Performance Indicators

• The Director of Operations will be responsible for performance in the following areas:
• Revenue growth
• EBITDA and profitability to budget
• Doctor retention and succession planning
• Growth initiative execution
• Employee engagement and retention
• Operational efficiency metrics
• Compliance and risk management

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Animal Science, Agriculture, Veterinary Business Management, or a related field. (Or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 7-10 years of operational leadership experience.
• Multi-site leadership experience managing geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated success leading business operations with P&L accountability.
• Strong experience in change management, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout assigned regions.

Preferred

• Equine veterinary, livestock, agricultural, healthcare, or veterinary industry experience.
• MBA or related advanced degree.
• Experience leading through acquisitions, integrations, or business transformations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of equine industry dynamics and client relationships.
• Strong financial acumen and business analytics capability.
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities.
• Ability to manage complexity and competing priorities.
• Skilled in coaching leaders and building high-performing teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance operational excellence with culture and employee engagement.
• For more details please contact - [email protected]
• #LI-DH1