The Practice Manager for the PAWS Chicago Lurie Spay and Neuter Clinic is responsible for the overall operational management, administrative oversight, and client experience of Chicago’s largest high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter clinic, serving more than 25,000 pets each year with spay/neuter, vaccinations and community medicine. Affordable and accessible spay/neuter is the most direct and impactful way to eliminate pet overpopulation and resulting euthanasia in shelters. As the Practice Manager, you will be on the frontlines of preventing pet homelessness and building a No Kill Chicago.
The Practice Manager is responsible for managing the Lurie Clinic business as a whole, with a focus on clinic operations, staffing structure, scheduling, financial and inventory oversight, client service, reporting, cross-department coordination, and ensuring PAWS Chicago’s lifesaving mission goals are being met. Direct clinical workflow execution, technician training, competency management, and on-floor escalation are led by the Veterinary Technician Manager, who may report to the Practice Manager, depending on skillset and expertise.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Clinical Operations & Workflow
- Manage daily technician staffing and assignments across all clinic areas
- Adjust workflow in real time to maintain surgical efficiency and patient flow
- Implement new programs, protocols, and initiatives into existing workflows
- Utilize the electronic medical record system to its full capacity to support documentation, efficiency, and patient movement
- Serve as the primary on-floor escalation point for technician and workflow issues
- People Leadership, Accountability & Training
- Onboard, train, and mentor technicians and assistants
- Maintain role-based competency checklists and skills tracking
- Provide day-to-day coaching, feedback, and corrective guidance
- Manage conflict, scheduling, accountability, attendance, and performance concerns
- Identify and develop high-potential team members
- Serve as a role model and cultural leader, reinforcing professionalism, teamwork, and expectations
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to anesthesia, recovery, and patient safety protocols
- Immediately address quality or safety concerns
- Oversee controlled substance handling, documentation, reconciliation, and monitoring
- Participate in audits, case reviews, and quality improvement initiatives
- Support compliance with regulatory, organizational, and safety standards
- Equipment, Facilities & Readiness
- Oversee routine equipment checks, inventory management, and operational readiness
- Coordinate troubleshooting, maintenance, repairs, and replacement needs
- Ensure clinical spaces are prepared for daily operations and high-volume days
- Client Experience, Events & Partner Coordination
- Handle client concerns, complaints, and service recovery related to clinic operations
- Serve as a calm, professional point of contact during escalations
- Plan, prepare for, and execute large-scale spay/neuter events
- Coordinate staffing, workflow, and equipment needs for special events and high-volume days
Qualifications:
- Prior experience in veterinary clinic or healthcare operations in a leadership or management role
- Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential or 2-4 years of veterinary clinical experience preferred.
- Experience managing scheduling, payroll, inventory, and administrative operations
- Familiarity with high-volume clinic environments is a plus.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and composure
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites and electronic medical records
- Bilingual or strong Spanish comprehension preferred
Physical Requirements
- Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting and grasping
- Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
- Able to lift 25lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently and a negligible amount constantly
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays
Work Environment: This position will be based at the Medical Center, which houses both the Clinic and Shelter Medicine departments. The role may involve hands-on training in clinical settings, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
Why Join Us? By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of veterinary care in our organization, empowering staff to deliver their best work while advancing animal welfare. If you’re passionate about education, leadership, and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.
Note: This position is posted externally as Practice Manager. The internal title for this role is Assistant Director, Clinical Operations.
