Regional Operations Manager – Veterinary Emergency Services

About the role

Animal Emergency Australia is seeking a Regional Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of emergency veterinary hospitals across multiple Australian locations. Based in Melbourne, you will partner with Hospital Administrators, Directors, and the COO to translate national strategy into local action, drive performance, and nurture a culture of safety and compassion.

Key responsibilities

• Implement AEA’s national strategy at the regional level, setting rhythms, expectations and accountability across sites.
• Coach and develop high‑performing Hospital Administrators, building leadership pipelines and succession plans.
• Lead workforce planning, resource allocation and operational efficiency while maintaining financial discipline.
• Monitor operational metrics, intervene early, and standardise best practices across hospitals.
• Facilitate collaboration between hospitals, share innovations and deliver strategic projects with the Hospital Support Advisor.
• Act as the primary liaison with Head Office, ensuring legislative compliance, risk management and transparent reporting.

Required profile

• 8+ years of leadership experience in emergency, veterinary, specialty, healthcare or other 24/7 service environments.
• Proven success managing multi‑site operations and delivering measurable performance improvements.
• Strong coaching, performance‑management and conflict‑resolution abilities.
• Data‑driven decision‑making mindset with experience in workforce planning and service delivery at scale.

Required skills

• Leadership and people development
• Performance management and accountability frameworks
• Conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement
• Workforce planning and operational efficiency
• Financial oversight and budgeting