Hospital Director of Operations, Veterinary Medicine
AERA HD - West Caldwell, NJ - Full Time
We are seeking a visionary and dynamic Hospital Director of Operations (HD) to lead an AAHA accredited, multi-specialty veterinary hospital within Ethos Veterinary Health, Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in West Caldwell, NJ. This leader will oversee the hospital’s day-to-day operations while driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and a culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and high performance. The ideal candidate is a strong, inspiring leader with the presence and emotional intelligence to serve as a respected role model for the team while creating a clear vision for the hospital’s future and taking decisive action to bring that vision to life.
This individual will play a critical role in shaping the next chapter of the hospital by identifying opportunities for growth, developing future leaders, and fostering an environment where both people and medicine thrive. We are seeking someone with a strategic mindset who can effectively lead through change, inspire teams around a shared mission, and elevate an already successful hospital to the next level. While strong financial and P&L experience is valuable, the ability to lead, influence, create vision, and build high-performing teams is most essential.
You will partner closely with hospital leadership, medical leaders, and support center colleagues to drive innovation, strengthen culture, and ensure the continued delivery of exceptional patient care and client experience.
What’s in it for you?
A competitive salary range of $130,000 - $160,000 depending on experience and skill level
Annual profit-sharing bonus plan
Comprehensive Benefits package that offers paid time off and a 401k match
The Company is committed to supporting the professional development of its Hospital Directors by facilitating access to Continuing Education (CE) opportunities to encourage ongoing growth and learning.
Envision the future of the hospital in alignment with Ethos Veterinary Health’s mission, identifying opportunities to evolve care delivery and operations.
Make high-quality, evidence-informed decisions that shape long-term hospital strategy and deliver sustainable results.
Lead through complexity and ambiguity with confidence and foresight, ensuring clarity of direction and purpose.
Transform – Innovation & Operational Excellence
Drive hospital innovation by leading the adoption of new technologies, systems, and operational best practices.
Lead continuous improvement efforts to streamline workflows and elevate both the patient and client experience.
Use data and key performance metrics to guide decision-making and improve hospital-wide effectiveness.
Responsible for driving positive client and patient experiences by leading management teams and staff to deliver high-quality care and service, supporting the organization’s reputation and fostering patient satisfaction.
Engage – Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication
Build strong, trust-based partnerships across hospital teams, support center colleagues, referring veterinarians, and community stakeholders.
Foster transparent communication across all levels of the hospital, aligning teams toward shared goals.
Balance diverse stakeholder perspectives to support inclusive, strategic decision-making.
Develop – Talent Growth & Team Culture
Develop and lead a high-performing hospital team by investing in coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning.
Build a hospital culture rooted in trust, accountability, curiosity, and personal growth.
Identify and grow future leaders while supporting staff development at every level.
Drive – Operational Execution & Accountability
Lead financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and managing the hospital’s P&L to ensure long-term sustainability.
Partners intentionally with (JV Stakeholders and) Ethos Leadership to ensure alignment on hospital goals, fostering trust, transparency, and a shared understanding of performance expectations and outcomes in order to drive the execution of hospital priorities.
Demonstrate accountability and adaptability, responding swiftly and effectively to changing priorities.
Inspire – Culture, Vision & Leadership Presence
Inspire teams by connecting daily work to the broader mission of Ethos Veterinary Health and the hospital’s purpose.
Lead by example—bringing optimism, compassion, and clarity to your leadership.
Foster a resilient and mission-driven culture that embraces change and celebrates collective success.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree ideal. Advanced degree is a plus; MHA/MBA
Experience: 5–10+ years of senior leadership experience in veterinary hospital operations, healthcare, or retail, ideally in a multi-specialty or matrixed setting.
Skills: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive strategic and operational initiatives, and foster inclusive collaboration. Brings strong business acumen with demonstrated experience successfully managing hospital financials, budgeting, and full P&L accountability.
Ideal Background: Proven experience building and scaling high-performing teams, driving engagement, and supporting professional development resulting in measurable improvements to hospital financials and EBITDA.
This is more than an operational role—it’s a mission-driven leadership opportunity to envision the future of veterinary care, drive innovation, and inspire teams to deliver exceptional outcomes. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, we invite you to apply.
Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.