We are looking for an experienced veterinary professional to join The Ralph as our new Operations Manager.
This is a newly created role with a broad and interesting remit across the day-to-day operations of our hospital. It would suit someone who enjoys making complex organisations work well, building strong relationships and seeing things through.
The Ralph is the UK’s largest private, non-corporate multidisciplinary specialist referral centre for dogs and cats. Based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Team Ralph comprises around 260 people working across a busy 24-hour hospital.
Our current Clinical Operations Manager has chosen to move on to new opportunities outside The Ralph. The new Operations Manager role will succeed that position as we create a clearer distinction between clinical and operational leadership. There will be a structured handover period to support a smooth transition.
We are also creating a new Operations Director role as part of our evolving senior leadership structure. The Operations Manager will report to the Operations Director and work closely with the Clinical Director, Assistant Clinical Director and other senior leaders across the hospital.
The role
This is a varied, hands-on operational management role.
You will help coordinate the systems, equipment, suppliers and processes that support the hospital every day. You will have reasonable autonomy within your remit, while working closely with colleagues when operational matters overlap with clinical care or other specialist areas.
Your responsibilities will include:
- overseeing the maintenance, servicing and repair processes for clinical equipment
- coordinating equipment requests, approved purchases and implementation
- leading practical procurement activity across clinical and non-clinical areas
- managing supplier relationships, contracts and buying-group arrangements within your remit
- overseeing day-to-day IT coordination and relationships with our external IT providers
- overseeing our external cleaning contract and other operational service providers
- line-managing our Clinical Operations Assistants, currently a team of around five people
- line-managing the Pharmacy and Inventory Team Leader and overseeing the operational aspects of stock and inventory management
- coordinating preparation for our annual stocktake
- supporting day-to-day Health and Safety activity, including risk assessments, incident follow-up and agreed actions
- coordinating pregnancy risk assessments and related workplace adjustments
- supporting the practical elements of regulatory inspections, audits and compliance activity
- maintaining operational SOPs, guidance and processes within your remit
- monitoring relevant operational information and keeping the Operations Director informed of significant issues and outstanding actions
Some responsibilities sit across the boundary between operations and clinical care.
For example, the Clinical Operations Assistants support complaint handling, patient pricing and electronic controlled-drug monitoring. You will line-manage and support the team, while clinical leadership retains responsibility for clinical decisions and governance.
You will also work closely with our Head of Maintenance and Facilities, who leads on the hospital premises and infrastructure. Good communication and collaboration across the hospital will be central to this role.
About you
Significant experience working within the veterinary sector is essential.
We are particularly interested in people who have worked in a large veterinary hospital or referral environment.
RVN status is preferred but not essential. Previous clinical experience as an RVN followed by a move into management would be particularly relevant, but we are equally interested in experienced veterinary operational managers with a different professional background.
You may already be working as an Operations Manager, Hospital Manager, Practice Manager or in another substantial veterinary management role. We are also open to someone ready to take the next step if they have the experience and judgement to do so.
Formal management or business qualifications are welcome, but relevant experience matters much more to us.
We are looking for someone who is calm and dependable. Someone organised without becoming bureaucratic. Someone who listens before changing things, communicates well and follows things through.
You will need to be comfortable working across clinical and non-clinical teams. You should understand when to make a decision yourself and when to involve others.
This is a fully non-clinical management role. If you are an RVN, your clinical experience will be valuable, but you are not expected to undertake routine clinical shifts.
Working pattern
This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, broadly across five days. A one-hour paid lunch break is included within each working day.
The role is predominantly site-based because of the nature of the work and the importance of being present within the hospital. There will be scope for some home working where appropriate.
The Operations Manager will participate in our senior management on-call arrangements.
This includes:
- One weekday overnight on-call period each week
- Participation in the senior weekend and Bank Holiday backup rota, expected to be one weekend in five and one to two Bank Holidays each year
During weekends and Bank Holidays, the senior nurse on call remains the hospital’s first point of contact. The senior management on-call person provides backup where needed. Routine on-site attendance is not expected unless a critical matter requires it.
Weekend and Bank Holiday on-call attracts additional pay. Weekday overnight on-call does not attract additional payment. TOIL is not provided for these on-call duties.
What we offer
- £50,000 to £60,000 salary, depending on experience
- 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- One-hour paid lunch break each working day
- Private medical insurance
- Flexible and discretionary support for professional fees, CPD and leadership development
- Generous discounts on veterinary care for your own animal companions
- Some flexibility for home working where appropriate
- A flexible start date for our preferred candidate
Visa sponsorship may be available for the right person.
#bemoreralph
Our culture and values matter deeply to us.
Compassion, kindness, empathy, respect and integrity shape how we care for our patients, their carers and each other.
We have a comparatively informal and psychologically safe approach to management. We want people to take responsibility, ask questions and contribute ideas without unnecessary hierarchy.
For the person joining us as Operations Manager, the first priority will be to understand The Ralph properly. Learn how the hospital works. Build relationships. Understand what already works well.
From there, there will be plenty of opportunity to help us improve the way things work and reduce unnecessary operational friction.
To apply
Please send your CV and covering letter to Sophie Dowdeswell at ****[email protected].
Sophie is Assistant to Shailen Jasani, our Founder, CEO and Clinical Director.
In your covering letter, please tell us why this role interests you and what you believe your experience would bring to The Ralph.
Applications close on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
We are looking for the right person rather than working towards a fixed start date, so we are happy to accommodate our preferred candidate's notice period.
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Private medical insurance
- UK visa sponsorship
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Marlow SL7 1YG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you or have you ever been a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)?
Experience:
- Operations management: 1 year (preferred)
- Veterinary sector: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
