Bring a high level of commercial business acumen to Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care - leading a high‑performing Veterinary hospital and shaping the future of patient-first care in Canberra.
About AEA
Animal Emergency Australia is an employee-owned national network of 24/7 emergency and critical care hospitals across Australia. As one team of over 800 passionate veterinary professionals, we’re united in our intent to elevate emergency and critical care, together.

Our hospitals are united by a shared purpose: better patient outcomes! We look to create the future of veterinary medicine by fostering high-performing teams, supporting continuous learning, and making well-being a daily priority for both pets and the people who care for them. We invest in shared core values, development, flexibility and innovation, creating a workplace where our people can do and be their best.

The Opportunity
Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service (part of Animal Emergency Australia) is seeking a commercially minded, operationally skilled leader to step into a newly created position as Hospital Administrator of our after-hours emergency service based in Canberra.

This role has been purposefully designed to strengthen the link between operational excellence and exceptional patient care, ensuring our teams, systems and strategy all work in service of truly patient-first outcomes.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working collaboratively with national leaders, you’ll collaborate on national strategic direction, optimise performance, and foster a collaborative, high-performing safe culture. Your leadership will ensure that every operational decision enhances the experience of our patients, their families, and the veterinary professionals who care for them.

Ideal candidates will bring deep experience in business or health operations, ideally with an MBA or equivalent, and a proven track record in team leadership, service delivery, WHS compliance and organisational performance.

A veterinary or clinical background is not required; what is essential is your ability to immerse yourself in both practice and people’s daily function, manage complexity, lead with clarity, and inspire excellence across all facets of hospital operations.

Key Focus Areas

• Strategic & Business Leadership.
• Operational Management.
• Financial Stewardship.
• People & Culture
• Risk & Compliance
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Technology & Innovation
• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

What You’ll Bring

• Tertiary qualification in business management (MBA or equivalent), leadership or project management, or healthcare management.
• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience in a multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record in operational management, team leadership, and financial performance
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change, growth, and improvement initiatives, leadership approach grounded in communication, empathy, and continuous improvement.

Why Join CVES?
Here at Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services (CVES) and across the Animal Emergency Australia network, supporting our leaders means supporting their wellbeing, development, and purpose at work. We are here to give pet owners peace of mind for their pets at the time when they need us the most.

As part of your role, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary between $150,000 - $170,000++ (experience dependent)
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance, with essential operational needs met.
• Access to continuing education, leadership mentoring, and professional memberships.
• Highly discounted veterinary treatments and products for your pets.
• Access to the Fitness Passport—a government-supported program offering discounted gym memberships for you and your family.
• Free, confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program, covering wellbeing, family, financial, and emotional support services.

Ready to Lead with Purpose?
Send your CV and a short cover letter to [email protected] outlining how your leadership will strengthen CVES in delivering patient-first care, operational excellence, and a thriving team culture.

For a confidential enquiry, contact Tee at [email protected].

Love the Role, But Not the Location?
If the Canberra location isn’t quite the right fit, but the role aligns with your experience and qualifications, we’d still love to hear from you. As this is a newly created position, similar opportunities may be opening across our network. Register your interest by emailing [email protected] including the state you are interested in, and we’ll keep you in mind for future leadership roles at other AEA locations.

Let’s stay connected, we’re committed to helping you find the right fit within AEA.