Deputy Operations Director (QMHA)
Queen Mother Hospital
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Operations Director to help lead operations at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA) — the UK’s largest veterinary teaching hospital.
QMHA delivers exceptional patient care to animals while supporting the RVC’s mission in education, clinical excellence, and research, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based medicine.
Working closely with the Operations Director and Clinical Director, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring the hospital delivers outstanding clinical services, operational efficiency, and an exceptional client experience.
This is a senior operational leadership role responsible for implementing the hospital’s commercial clinical strategy, operational planning, service improvement, and performance management.
We are looking for a strategic, resilient and collaborative operational leader with experience managing complex service environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide operational leadership for the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA), supporting delivery of outstanding clinical services aligned with the Royal Veterinary College’s strategic objectives.
2. Lead the day-to-day operational management of the hospital, ensuring efficient use of staff, facilities and resources.
3. Develop and implement the annual operational and business plan, supporting commercial clinical activities and service development.
4. Monitor hospital performance against financial, operational and caseload targets, ensuring effective financial control, cost management and resource planning.
5. Champion a patient-centred and customer-focused culture, ensuring high standards of care, client satisfaction and service delivery.
6. Lead and support operational and client services teams, setting objectives and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
7. Ensure robust clinical governance, audit and service evaluation processes are embedded across the hospital.
8. Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, accreditation, health and safety, and institutional policies.
9. Work closely with clinical leaders and senior colleagues to support service development, operational improvements and strategic initiatives.
10. Build effective relationships with internal departments, referring veterinary practices and external partners to support the hospital’s operations and reputation.
The successful candidate should bring:
11. Significant experience in operations management within healthcare, veterinary, or clinical environments
12. Strong financial and business planning experience
13. Proven ability to lead large multi-disciplinary teams
14. Experience delivering service improvement and operational efficiency
15. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
16. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, particularly under pressure
17. Commitment to high standards of patient care and client service
We offer a generous reward and benefits package including:
18. A welcoming and friendly team
19. Competitive and attractive pension package
20. Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays + concessionary days)
21. Opportunities for regular development and in-house training
22. Access to free in-house CPD
23. On site café and restaurant
24. Free membership to the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on site (gym, badminton, climbing wall, Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes included)
25. Cycle to work scheme
26. Free mini-bus service to and from Potters Bar station and Hawkshead Campus
27. A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave
28. Competitive and attractive pension package
29. Free use of our on-site Sports and Wellbeing Centre (gym, badminton, climbing wall, Zumba, yoga, and Pilates classes included).
30. Various company benefits such as the Cycle to Work scheme, TOTUM card and Apple Products discounts
This is a full time position working 35 hours per week on a fixed term basis for 12 months. Potential applicants wishing to discuss this position informally are encouraged to contact Lisa Lines, Operations Director at or via telephone at