Animal Health Senior Manager

Role Overview

Animal Health Senior Manager at Miral Destinations, located in Abu Dhabi. The Senior Hospital Manager oversees the operations, staff, and equipment of the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (SWAD) Veterinary Hospitals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality veterinary care, timely support of animal health, welfare, and conservation.

Company Overview

Miral Experiences is a region's leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. The diverse portfolio includes Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, and cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan. The organization specializes in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Attractions are designed to ignite imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world.

Role Purpose

The hospital provides veterinary services for the full animal population at SWAD, including mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates, and supports the affiliated Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue (YSWRR) marine life rescue and rehabilitation program. The Senior Hospital Manager leads the team of Veterinary Technologists with direct responsibility for daily workflow oversight, staff supervision, workload distribution, training, and professional development. The role maintains an active, visible presence within the hospital and is accountable for hospital discipline, safe working practices, equipment functionality, and consistent implementation of approved SOPs and quality standards. Through effective leadership and accountability, the role contributes directly to hospital excellence and the organization's broader mission of animal welfare, research, and regional conservation impact.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

• Oversee day-to-day hospital operations with potential active on-floor presence
• Oversee workflows, procedure schedules, and communicate result release across all disciplines as required
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational, technical, and workflow issues
• Ensure hospital procedures are implemented in practice in line with approved SOPs and clinical expectations
• Maintain an active, visible presence within the hospital
• Participate in medical procedures as able
• Coordinate external services, contractors, consultants, and government agencies
• Conduct team meetings and attend zoo leadership meetings
• Plan audits, risk management, and quality control checks
• Lead accreditation processes and government licensing requirements

Safety, Compliance and Quality

• Demonstrate commitment to company values and safety
• Ensure hospital discipline and safe working practices
• Ensure compliance with area SOPs including animal husbandry
• Develop safety protocols relevant to Animal Health
• Oversee pharmaceutical and controlled drug registers, including audits and discrepancy follow-up
• Maintain asset register, equipment warranties, and service contracts
• Oversee chemical usage in park with Animal Health and Welfare Director

Financial and Budget Management

• Work with company to prepare financial statements
• Monitor KPIs and settle fees and petty cash
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring
• Oversee revenue-generating services

Inventory and Equipment Management

• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of hospital equipment and preventative maintenance schedule
• Maintain inventory and conduct all departmental procurement and relevant communications
• Ensure maintenance of equipment and supply needs
• Maintain computerized medical record systems and ensure effective use

Colleague Development and Supervision

• Line-manage Veterinary Technologists, including rostering, workload distribution, supervision, and performance oversight
• Ensure staff competency, training, and adherence to defined scopes of practice
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and corrective guidance as required
• Support staff development and succession planning in collaboration with the Director and department leadership roles
• Hire and onboard new colleagues in coordination with Director of Animal Health and Welfare and talent acquisition
• Conduct performance reviews for direct reports
• Develop and promote colleague recognition and motivation
• Coordinate continuing education and licensing for direct reports
• Update job descriptions and employee files
• Manage direct employees and indirect employees as required
• Participate in research studies and academic paper publications

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communications

• Communicate professionally and openly within zoo and park-wide colleagues
• Serve as liaison between veterinarians and support colleagues
• Work collaboratively with Animal Health and Welfare operations (Laboratory, Pathology and Nutrition) leadership and the Animal Health and Welfare Director
• Assist with development and implementation of area and department goals
• Support mission and organizational initiatives
• Coordinate with education department on programming needs
• Promote team environment

Operational Oversight

• Support wildlife rehabilitation programs
• Update area SOPs with assistance from veterinary technicians, laboratory, and nutrition colleagues

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Veterinary Care, Veterinary Practice Management, Healthcare Administration, or related fields
• Ten years of experience in the veterinary or medical field
• Five years minimum experience in a leadership position

Desirable

• Professional certification: Certified Veterinary Technician/Nurse, Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), or Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)
• Membership of WAZA or equivalent association
• Affiliate accredited zoo experience
• Experience working in zoological facilities
• Familiarization of conservation efforts and organizations

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• IT skills including Microsoft Office applications
• Proactive, hands-on leadership approach with sound judgment
• Balance technical oversight with operational coordination
• Set clear expectations and act as a role model for professional conduct, integrity, and adherence to SWAD values

Additional Information

• Must be available to work varying shifts and hours based on business need, including opening, mid-, and closing shifts, weekends, and holidays
• Physical requirements: able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs/20 kg on occasion; extensive walking or standing indoors or outdoors; tasks involving repetitive motions such as bending, stooping, or lifting