Care Center Manager - Operations Leadership

Lead Operations. Build a Strong Team. Make a Difference.

The VET Recruiter is conducting a search for an experienced Care Center Manager to oversee the daily operations of an established pet aftercare facility in Portland, Oregon. We seek a hands-on operations leader who manages people effectively, improves processes, maintains high standards, and builds accountability.

Candidates with backgrounds in warehouse operations, logistics, transportation, distribution, manufacturing, production, or other hands-on operational environments are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous veterinary or pet aftercare experience is not required.

About the Position

The Care Center Manager oversees daily operations, employee leadership, safety, quality, customer service, and financial results. This is not a traditional office management position. The facility is a warehouse-like production environment with crematory equipment, elevated temperatures, noise, and physical work. The manager must be comfortable wearing required PPE, working in heat, and stepping in to support frontline operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee receiving, processing, quality control, packaging, inventory, transportation, and service delivery.
• Manage workflow, staffing, scheduling, labor allocation, productivity, and operating costs.
• Monitor KPIs and operating reports; identify issues and implement practical improvements.
• Enforce SOPs, safety standards, compliance, equipment maintenance, and quality controls.
• Assist with production, transportation, and other operational duties when needed.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, train, and develop employees across operations, transportation, and customer service.
• Set clear expectations and address performance concerns promptly, fairly, and constructively.
• Build teamwork, employee engagement, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Maintain an active presence on the production floor and lead by example.

Customer Service and Quality

• Build strong relationships with veterinary hospitals and other customers.
• Resolve service concerns promptly and maintain accurate documentation.
• Ensure deceased pets are handled with dignity, compassion, and respect.
• Collaborate with regional leadership to strengthen operational and service performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of supervisory, management, or operations leadership experience.
• Warehouse, logistics, transportation, distribution, manufacturing, or production experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading frontline employees and improving performance.
• Experience with staffing, scheduling, budgets, labor costs, productivity, and KPIs.
• Strong communication, judgment, organization, problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Willingness to learn specialized processes and obtain relevant industry certification.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

• Candidates must be comfortable with the physical demands and conditions of this hands-on, warehouse-like crematory and production environment.
• Work regularly in warm or hot areas where crematory equipment generates elevated temperatures.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including while working in hot conditions.
• Spend significant time on the production floor; stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, and perform repetitive movements.
• Assist with lifting or moving heavy items, including occasional requirements involving 100 pounds or more, using appropriate equipment or assistance when required.
• Work around machinery, production equipment, and operational noise.
• Assist with physical operational tasks and respectfully handle deceased pets.
• Work occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, or additional hours as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary: $75,000–$85,000, plus an annual performance bonus opportunity of up to 10%.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer matching.
• Paid vacation and holidays; company-paid life insurance and long-term disability.
• Employee assistance and emotional wellness programs; pet insurance.
• Paid training, professional development, advancement opportunities, and potential relocation assistance.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a confident, practical operations leader who leads by example, establishes accountability, makes decisions quickly, and moves easily between coaching people, solving problems, reviewing performance data, and helping on the floor. This opportunity may suit a Warehouse Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, Distribution Manager, Logistics Manager, Transportation Manager, or Manufacturing Supervisor.