Job Description

We are seeking a highly organized and people-focused HR Manager to oversee all aspects of human resources practices and processes. The HR Manager will support business needs and ensure the proper implementation of company strategy and objectives. The goal is to promote our values and enable business success through people management, including recruitment, talent development, performance management, and employee relations.

Experience in dental, healthcare or veterinary fields is highly desirable. Spa/Clinic, Hospitality or Retail is also suitable. Experience in a rota driven industry is a must.

The veterinary industry has been fragmented for a long time with dissimilar and often amateur HR practices followed in various clinics. It needs an injection of HR best practice and standardisation. There must be significant improvements in how employees are treated. Often employees have had bad experiences with employers, and they carry certain perceptions of employee-employer relationships, which they bring to their new workplace.

At Virtue Vets, you would focus on resetting those relationships and moving them into a more wholesome and trusting space. Often this involves helping employees understand what is or isn't appropriate in a professional setting. It also involves helping educate them about HR regulations and policies while removing faulty perceptions regarding HR law and practices. You must be able to check the pulse of the business and be able to spot issues well before they occur. You must identify bad apples and manage difficult employees. You must be an evangelist for a more positive and healthy workplace and be a prime example of the firm's values.

Overall you must have a positive and cheerful demeanour, and be excited about problem-solving and pragmatic solutions.

The Team

The clinic operating model is set up to: Deliver exceptional quality of care, Demonstrate empathy for pet owners, Safeguard the welfare of clinical teams

Each site has three or more vets and a similar number of nurses. The team is exceptional, as the business has been extremely selective about hiring only the best veterinary professionals. Each team member is clinically competent and keen on supporting each other in the workplace.

Must-have Attributes of Successful Candidates

An entrepreneurial nature is a must-have. A healthy appreciation for the benefits of working in a modern startup with a supportive and competent team while being well compensated.

In practical terms, this means:

Being a self-starter (takes responsibility, gets things done, no hand-holding needed) Willing to do things differently and "not how they have always been done" Comfortable with change, as we optimize our clinical model frequently Comfort with ambiguity and able to deal with imperfection The desire to help improve the clinic's operational performance in meaningful ways Not a behind-the-scenes complainer. Not "gossipy"

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the overall business strategy. Bridge management and employee relations by addressing demands, grievances, or other issues. Manage the recruitment, selection and onboarding process. Rota management. Talent retention and rewards. Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance. Maintain pay plan and benefits programmes. Assess training needs to apply and monitor training programs. Ensure legal compliance throughout human resource management. Maintain employee records according to policy and legal requirements. Report to management and provide decision support through HR metrics (e.g., turnover rates, absence rates). Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Requirements

Proven working experience as HR Manager or other HR Executive role. People-oriented and results-driven. Demonstrable experience with Human Resources metrics. Knowledge of HR systems and databases. Ability to architect strategy along with leadership skills. Excellent active listening, negotiation, and presentation skills. Competence to build and effectively manage interpersonal relationships at all levels of the company. In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources or related field. Chartered CIPD membership desirable.

Hours

Clinic hours: 08:00 - 19:00 Monday through Sunday. Hours of work: 40 hours per week, predominantly Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:30 (with a 1-hour unpaid break) but flexibility required on occasions.

Compensation

Meaningful salary progression linked to professional achievement

Paid Holidays and Leave

5.6 weeks per calendar year, inclusive of public holidays Enhanced Adoption, Maternity, Paternity and Statutory Shared Parental Leave Enhanced Parental Bereavement Leave Discretionary sick pay

Benefits

Pension contributions. Reimbursement for CIPD membership fees. Staff discounts on treatments and drugs for own pets up to a maximum of 3 pets as set out in our Employee Pet Treatment and Charging Policy. Tax and NIC efficient salary and bonus exchange scheme.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Work Location: In person