The Opportunity

Come and be part of a brand new 20,000-square-foot state-of-the-art hospital at Maritime Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Centre, located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Opening in the Fall of 2023! Our Emergency & Specialty hospital will deliver much-needed care for pets in the greater Halifax Regional Municipality and beyond.

Join a highly supportive and collaborative environment dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care. Our team will consist of Emergency Veterinarians and consultations with specialists, as we plan to have Surgery, Internal Medicine, Exotics, Cardiology, and more! The hospital will offer: 9 exam rooms, Full in-house lab, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, MRI, CT, Blood Bank, and Digital Radiology.

The Role:

The Hospital Director will report to the NVA Specialty+ER Divisional Director of Operations along with partnering with the hospital’s Medical Director.

Leadership

• Directly oversees all operations and business activities and leads staff for all departments.
• Partners effectively with the Medical Director, who is responsible for the overall level of medicine and high-quality patient care.
• Demonstrates a strategic orientation by translating a vision into actionable plans and activities and by managing operations effectively to achieve objectives.
• Directs leadership team to facilitate resolution of issues within the hospital.
• Consciously shapes a positive hospital culture based on trust and teamwork that caters to the needs of our clients and referring veterinarians.
• Passionate about providing resources, support, and supervision for the hospital staff.

Strategic Orientation

• Develops in-depth understanding of local market and relationships with referring general practice veterinarians to understand their needs.
• Identifies short- and long-term plans for growth, including addition of new services, recruitment of doctors and other key team members, pricing strategy, space optimization, and acquisition of new equipment. Collaborates and executes strategies alongside Medical Director

Financial Analysis & Planning

• Responsible for accounting and finance processes within the hospital, as well as creation of an annual operating budget built to achieve overall revenue growth and profitability.
• Leads hospital financial activities, including monthly review of financial statements and appropriate corrective action in response to variances and trends.
• Applies continuous improvement principles to existing financial and operating processes with constant communication and feedback loop with doctors and hospital staff.
• Owner of the P&L and responsible for meeting and exceeding expected financial results.

Business Operations

• Inspirational and motivational leader who will drive results across all elements of the business. Sets goals and evaluates progress toward goals.
• The DHO will help each person on the team to develop a deep understanding of the mission, vision, and values and how individual work is aligned with business goals that contribute to and ultimately drive our success.
• Partners effectively with NVA and technology providers to support and enhance hospital activities and the experience of clients and referring veterinarians.
• Directs growth activities to support business objectives and plans. Provides thought leadership, coaching, and mentoring to elevate hospital leadership team—and the entire team—to increased performance and productivity levels.
• Understands lean principles and identifies and executes opportunities to improve processes and create efficiencies.
• Ability to understand how to grow and develop De Novo locations as the market is able to bear expansion.
• Collaborates with Medical Director regarding recruitment, interviewing and hiring of staff (customer service, technical, and doctors)
• Responsible for policy enforcement as well as overseeing disciplinary actions and terminations.
• Ensure that OSHA and Safety program and procedures are being monitored and updated so the hospital is in safety compliance.
• Oversee facilities maintenance and repairs
• Responsible for administration and review of non-medical client complaint
• Understand, participate and support planned marketing events and programs and ensure that the hospital staff utilizes marketing tools and materials and events and programs.

Requirements / Personal Attributes

• Progressive operational management experience with a record of success, including experience managing a P&L.
• MBA or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Larger scale healthcare (veterinary or human) experience preferred, but not required.
• Multi-site leadership experience preferred, but not required.
• Learns quickly and can absorb new information rapidly.
• Self-motivated while also expert at motivating, coaching, and inspiring others.
• Ability to roll up your sleeves and get things done with enthusiastic participation.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications - Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and Outlook.

The Area

Situated just a short ferry ride across Halifax Harbour from downtown Halifax, Dartmouth is home to many quaint cafes, noteworthy food joints, shops, and a charm all its own.

Dartmouth, also known as the City of Lakes, boasts 23 lakes that provide opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing, and swimming. Paddle on Lake Banook or visit one of the many parks and walking trails that stretch out into the unspoiled coastal beauty of the Eastern Shore.

Enjoy the Dartmouth Waterfront and walk along the boardwalk, the ideal place for a photo of the Halifax skyline or take a boat tour from nearby Fisherman's Cove in Eastern Passage to McNabs Islands. And if Farmer’s Markets are more your speed, be sure to visit the market at Alderney Landing every Saturday!