Surgery Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal CARE

At Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), we do work that matters.

Every day, our team protects animals, supports our community, and helps save thousands of lives each year through compassionate care, advocacy, and education.

This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.

We are a team built for impact, made up of people who care deeply, work hard, support one another, and show up every day committed to making a difference.

If you are passionate about animals, thrive in a mission-driven environment, and want your work to have purpose, we’d love to have you join us.

About the Role

We are looking for a Surgery Manager to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC’s mission.

In this position, you will:

• Lead Cincinnati Animal Care’s volume surgery program. 
• Establish departmental goals, implement new initiatives, and advance Cincinnati Animal Care as a progressive leader in shelter medicine

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and wants to contribute to a growing organization making a real impact in the community.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Department Leadership

• Directly supervise surgery staff, anesthesia staff, surgery assistants, surgery coordinators, and volunteers.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, accountability, and performance evaluations.
• Develop staff through continuing education, cross-training, and leadership opportunities.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented team culture.
• Participate in interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and disciplinary processes.
• Develop future leaders within the surgery department.

Surgical Operations

• Oversee all daily surgical operations and workflow.
• Ensure efficient scheduling of veterinarians, staff, volunteers, and surgery cases.
• Coordinate daily surgery assignments based on patient needs and staffing.
• Maintain smooth patient flow from intake through recovery and discharge.
• Ensure animals receive timely surgical care to meet adoption, transport, medical, and behavioral goals.
• Assist clinically during surgery or anesthesia as operational needs require.

Quality & Patient Care

• Maintain the highest standards of anesthesia safety and patient care.
• Ensure compliance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor anesthesia records and surgical documentation for accuracy.
• Lead quality assurance reviews and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor surgical complication rates and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Promote Fear Free handling and low-stress patient care throughout the surgical process.

Program Development

• Evaluate workflow and develop strategies to increase surgical efficiency.
• Lead initiatives to reduce surgical backlog.
• Develop new programs that expand access to lifesaving surgery.
• Collaborate with medical leadership to introduce progressive surgical techniques and best practices.
• Assist in developing departmental policies and SOPs.

Inventory & Equipment Management

• Oversee all surgical inventory, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while controlling costs.
• Coordinate servicing and maintenance of anesthesia machines, autoclaves, oxygen systems, and surgical equipment.
• Ensure controlled substance documentation complies with DEA and Ohio regulations.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Oversee surgery scheduling and surgical records.
• Ensure anesthesia logs, invoices, medical records, and reporting are accurate.
• Complete monthly surgery reports and grant reporting requirements.
• Analyze surgery metrics and provide recommendations to medical leadership.
• Monitor departmental budgets and purchasing.

Community Partnerships

• Coordinate surgical services with rescue organizations, transport partners, community veterinarians, and TNR programs.
• Maintain strong communication with external veterinary partners.
• Support community access-to-care initiatives and surrender prevention programs.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure OSHA compliance within the surgery department.
• Maintain AAHA-inspired standards where applicable.
• Ensure proper sterilization and infection prevention protocols.
• Monitor compliance with controlled substance regulations.
• Ensure all surgery staff follow biosecurity and disease-control protocols.

Leadership Competencies

• Lead with integrity and professionalism.
• Inspire a culture of accountability.
• Develop others through coaching and mentorship.
• Make timely, evidence-based decisions.
• Adapt quickly in a high-volume environment.
• Anticipate operational challenges before they occur.
• Communicate effectively across all departments.
• Maintain a calm and organized presence during high-stress situations.

• Supporting additional organizational needs as they arise 

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about CAC’s mission and animal welfare 
• Brings a positive, team-first attitude 
• Communicates openly and professionally 
• Takes ownership and solves problems proactively 
• Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment 
• Can balance compassion with accountability 
• Is dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum three years of leadership experience in veterinary medicine or animal welfare.
• Minimum five years of veterinary clinical experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising teams.
• Experience managing workflow in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office and shelter software.
• Ability to analyze operational data and implement process improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT/LVT/CVT)
• Veterinary Technician Specialist (preferred but not required)
• Shelter medicine experience
• High-volume spay/neuter experience
• Anesthesia monitoring experience
• Inventory management experience
• Experience managing departmental budgets
• Grant reporting experience

Why Join CAC?

At CAC, you’ll be part of more than just a workplace. You’ll join a team of people doing meaningful work together.

We offer:

• The opportunity to make a real difference every day 
• A mission-driven, supportive team culture 
• Growth and development opportunities 
• Competitive benefits package 
• A workplace where your work directly impacts animals and the community 

Benefits

• Retirement plan with employer match 
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance 

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Safely restrain dogs and cats of varying sizes.
• Stand for extended periods during surgical procedures.
• Perform repetitive bending, lifting, and reaching.