Veterinary Hospital Administrator in San Luis Obispo, California at Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital

The Hospital Administrator is responsible for leading all non-clinical hospital operations, including client care, veterinary assistants, liaisons, and technical support staff. This role oversees all human resources systems and compliance and ensures alignment with Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital’s mission, culture, and long-term strategic goals.

The Hospital Administrator reports directly to the Co-Founders / Co-CEOs and serves as the direct manager of the Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager, providing oversight, mentorship, accountability, and performance management for those roles.

The Administrator is expected to:

• Lead and manage all hospital-wide non-clinical functions
• Directly manage and support the Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager
• Own and execute all human resource responsibilities
• Promote a culture of safety, engagement, accountability, and professionalism
• Serve as a visible, approachable, and consistent leadership presence for staff, clients, and referring veterinary practices

This is a five-day-per-week, in-person position requiring a defined and consistent schedule to ensure visibility and accessibility to all staff across departments and shifts.

Essential Job Duties

Team Leadership and Hospital Operations

• Provide direct leadership and oversight to all non-DVM staff, including department leads
• Directly manage, coach, and evaluate the Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager
• Ensure efficient hospital workflows, appropriate staff and resource allocation, and effective communication across all departments
• Lead hospital strategy and budgeting as it relates to staffing, hiring, and operational growth
• Participate in and influence strategic planning initiatives with senior leadership
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace culture
• Lead initiatives focused on safety, staff wellness, quality improvement, and operational excellence

Human Resources Management (Full Scope)

• Own all HR functions, including recruitment (staff and doctors), interviewing, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and terminations
• Maintain compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations (including FMLA, PFML, COBRA, OSHA, and state-specific requirements)
• Ensure adherence to the employee handbook, policies, and internal procedures
• Manage HR records, HRIS systems, reporting, time-off tracking, and workers’ compensation cases
• Annually update, communicate, and implement employee handbook policies (January) and benefits packages (May)
• Lead employee evaluations, including 30- and 60-day check-ins, six-month and first-year reviews, annual performance reviews, and job satisfaction assessments
• Design and implement leadership development, employee engagement, and staff retention programs
• Develop, manage, and oversee Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
• Partner with leadership and marketing teams on recruitment initiatives and internal communications

Client Service and Community Engagement

• Directly manage the client care team to uphold exceptional customer service standards
• Review, develop, and update training materials, communication scripts, and client-facing protocols
• Lead the resolution of escalated client concerns and oversee responses to online reviews
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with referring veterinary practices and the broader community

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Co-Founders / Co-CEOs in support of the hospital’s mission, operations, and continued growth

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree and/or professional certification preferred (e.g., SHRM-CP, CVPM)
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in hospital administration, healthcare management, or veterinary operations; 24/7 operations experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading leaders, managing complex HR functions, and navigating organizational growth and change
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
• Proficiency with HR systems, hospital software, and Microsoft Excel
• Working knowledge of labor laws, benefits administration, and employee relations best practices

Preferred Skills & Traits

• Empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and people-centered leadership style
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic planning abilities
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, high-acuity, and emotionally demanding environment
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development
• Proven track record of building strong, engaged, and high-performing teams
• Genuine passion for animal care, client service, and community engagement

Performance Expectations

• Ensure staffing levels are aligned with operational needs, budgetary constraints, and hospital growth
• Effectively develop, support, and retain the Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager
• Improve employee engagement, job satisfaction, recruitment success, and staff retention within the first year
• Maintain full legal, regulatory, and policy compliance across all HR and operational functions
• Uphold a consistently high standard of client satisfaction, staff support, and operational excellence

Full Time Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance