What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hospital Manager position at COVE Pet Care?
Hospital Manager – COVE Pet Care (Delaware, OH) & growing Columbus market
Location – 585 Sunbury Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Future expansion – Clintonville (North High Street) opening Q1 2026
Why join COVE Pet Care?
At COVE Pet Care, we are a privately-owned, locally operated veterinary specialty and 24/7 emergency hospital serving Central Ohio. We provide high-quality specialty services in internal medicine, ophthalmology, radiology, and surgery, as well as a full-service emergency hospital open 24/7/365. (Cove Pet Care)
Our team includes board-certified specialists, emergency veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and client service professionals, all driven to build lasting relationships with pets, families, local veterinarians, and our community.
We take pride in remaining independent, community-focused, and service-oriented.
As part of our expansion, we are preparing for a second location in Columbus (Clintonville) in early 2026; however, this role will lead the Delaware hospital and play a key role in supporting growth.
Position Summary
As Hospital Manager (Delaware campus), you will be the leader for our specialty & emergency hospital. You will oversee our clinical team members and ensure an exceptional customer experience, strong team engagement, efficient workflow, compliance, and profitability. You will work closely with the leadership team to establish and enforce best practices, drive KPIs, support the culture, and prepare the organization for further growth (including the Clintonville location).
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Delaware, OH, with occasional involvement in the upcoming Columbus location rollout.
Key Responsibilities
Lead day-to-day operations of the Delaware facility: front-of-house client services, scheduling, admissions/triage logistics for the 24/7 emergency service, specialist referral workflows, and facility maintenance.
Manage staff development, performance, and morale: include client service team, Emergency & Specialty teams, inventory & operations team, and collaborate with clinical leadership and specialists.
Partner with marketing and business development: support referral relationships with local veterinarians, support community outreach, and help position COVE as the “gold-standard” in Central Ohio specialty & emergency care.
Support the launch of the new Clintonville location: assist with integration of the two-hospital network as COVE expands.
Fiscal responsibility: oversee budgets, staffing models, and cost-control initiatives while maintaining a pet-and-family-first ethos.
Uphold culture: ensure the COVE motto of “pets, families, and our team first always” is lived operationally.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of leadership/management experience in a veterinary specialty or emergency hospital setting, demonstrating oversight of multi-department, 24/7 operations.
Demonstrated ability to lead 24/7 emergency/hospital environment (or high-volume specialty practice) with staffing, shift models, client flow, and logistics under pressure.
Strong financial acumen: experience with P&L responsibility, inventory/supply chain management, staffing cost models, vendor negotiations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clinical and non-clinical teams, clients, and external referral partners.
Proven ability to develop SOPs, monitor KPIs, drive metrics, and lead continuous improvement.
Passion for high-quality veterinary care, client service, and a team-based culture.
Comfortable with change/expansion dynamics: the ability to help lead a growing organization.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in veterinary specialty and emergency medicine.
Prior experience participating in organization expansion or multi-location.
Familiarity with veterinary software systems (e.g., ezyVet, Vet Radar, VetRocket) and ability to evaluate/implement hospital technology workflows.
Certification from the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association or a similar credential.
Bachelor’s degree preferred (Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Veterinary Practice Management, or similar).
What We Offer
Leadership role in a growing, independently owned veterinary specialty & emergency practice with an excellent reputation in Central Ohio.
Opportunity to significantly impact the organization's operations and growth.
Competitive compensation package with paid time off
Complete benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k) and professional development support.
Continuing Education stipend
Meaningful work: helping pets, families, and teams with a community-first ethos.
Fun, collaborative culture in a high-quality facility with board-certified specialists and cutting-edge equipment.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced veterinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced specialty/emergency environment and you’re excited about growth and community impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and cover letter (detailing how your leadership experience aligns with our mission) via LinkedIn or to: j.colliton@covepetcare.com with subject line “Hospital Manager – Delaware”.
Join us at COVE Pet Care and help us build the future of high-quality, compassionate veterinary specialty and emergency care in Central Ohio.
COVE Pet Care is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.