Area Operations Director – Veterinary Clinics – Germany

A senior leadership opportunity to oversee 15–20 veterinary clinics across your region in Germany, driving operational excellence, team performance and sustainable growth. This role is ideal for a commercial, people-focused leader with strong multi-site management experience in a service-based environment. German language fluency is essential.

About the Role

As Area Operations Director, you will lead the operational performance, culture and client experience of clinics across your assigned area in Germany. You’ll coach Practice Managers, support clinic teams, deliver consistency across locations and drive continuous improvement. A key part of the role is unlocking clinic capacity, enabling organic growth and supporting the rollout of central operating standards.

You will report directly to the Vice President of the Operating Unit.

Key Responsibilities

Performance & Operations

• Deliver the Balanced Scorecard across all clinics in line with strategic business goals.

• Run daily and weekly performance reviews, identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Build and implement action plans to address performance gaps and enhance efficiency.

• Manage budgets, cost control and financial targets.

• Ensure compliance with the global operating playbook, policies and procedures.

• Support adoption of standardised operating processes.

• Monitor patient satisfaction metrics and act on feedback.

• Serve as escalation point for operational issues and second-line patient complaints.

• Oversee inventory management, compliance and handling of regulated substances.

• Support Practice Managers in managing controllable costs such as payroll and supplies.

Leadership & Coaching

• Conduct regular, high-frequency clinic visits to deliver hands-on coaching and operational support.

• Coach, develop and performance-manage Practice Managers.

• Lead clinic teams in delivering excellent client, patient and associate experiences.

• Drive engagement with the Mars Associate Survey (MAS) and ensure impactful follow-through.

• Lead local implementation of change initiatives and new ways of working.

• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to address staffing needs.

• Identify and develop high-potential talent for succession planning.

Collaboration & Culture

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and high performance.

• Work cross-functionally with Operations, P&O, Finance, Marketing, Clinical and Talent teams.

• Act as a trusted liaison between clinic teams and regional leadership.

• Support clinic leaders in promoting safety, risk awareness and operational security.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Fluent German language skills (written and spoken).

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Management or related field.

• Strong people leadership and coaching skills.

• Experience managing budgets and making data-driven decisions.

• Strong understanding of capacity management and growth levers.

• Excellent communication and change management skills.

• Ability and willingness to travel frequently across Germany.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in veterinary, healthcare, retail or a client-focused service industry.

• Knowledge of the veterinary sector is an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Mindset

• Plans and Aligns

• Communicates Effectively

• Ensures Accountability

• Customer Focus

• Builds Effective Teams

• Collaborates

• Financial Acumen

• Drives Results

• Situational Adaptability

How to Apply

To discuss the role or apply, contact Ciaran Drew at GVC:
📩 ciaran.drew@gvcvets.com
📞 01392 793241