Veterinary Medical Director

Veterinary Medical Director

J Manhattan Beach California USD149K- USD226K / Year

Lead medical quality and mentor veterinarians in a vibrant coastal community, with compensation up to $226,000. This full-time leadership role keeps the successful candidate hands-on in practice while guiding teams in Manhattan Beach, CA.

The Hospital

An established, well-equipped small-animal hospital in a convenient in-store setting, this site blends primary care with a supportive, team-based culture. Doctors are backed by experienced registered veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and client service professionals who help deliver seamless care throughout the day. The environment is collaborative, learning-focused, and designed to set clinicians up for success.

• Modern clinical spaces with a surgical suite, dental equipment, radiography, anesthesia and monitoring equipment, and in-house lab/diagnostics
• Steady, predictable scheduling with both weekday and weekend coverage
• A culture that values mentorship, continuing education, and clear clinical standards
• Visible within the community, with a strong emphasis on preventive care and client communication

Location

Manhattan Beach offers an exceptional Southern California lifestyle with oceanfront access and a welcoming, active community. It combines small-town charm with proximity to major job centers and transport links, making it attractive for both commuters and relocators.

• Iconic pier and roughly 2.1 miles of public beachfront for after-work walks, surfing, and beach volleyball
• The Strand/Marvin Braude Bike Trail for biking, running, and coastal views right outside the neighborhood
• Lively community calendar, including beach events and seasonal festivities
• Walkable dining and shopping in Downtown Manhattan Beach and Manhattan Village
• Highly regarded local schools and strong family appeal
• Minutes to LAX in light traffic and close to South Bay and Silicon Beach employment hubs
• Affluent, engaged community with a polished coastal vibe

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and paid parental leave
• Continuing education allowance and dedicated CE days
• Coverage for professional liability insurance
• Reimbursement for professional licensure and association dues
• Wellness and mental health resources
• Uniform allowance
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
• Production-based incentive eligibility in addition to base compensation
• Leadership development, mentorship programs, and structured career growth

The Role

• Provide medical leadership across assigned hospitals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture
• Mentor, coach, and develop associate veterinarians; oversee onboarding and hands-on skill building in medicine, dentistry, and surgery
• Maintain a working manager presence by delivering clinical care while balancing leadership responsibilities
• Validate and elevate quality through medical record reviews, case discussions, audits, and safety event follow-ups
• Partner with hospital management to achieve operational and medical quality goals, client experience targets, and access-to-care initiatives
• Support recruitment efforts and represent the hospital professionally within the local veterinary community
• Ensure regulatory compliance, including controlled substance stewardship and radiation safety
• Manage medical equipment needs and ensure timely maintenance requests
• Support student externs and candidates during hospital visits to create a positive learning and interview experience
• Full-time, hospital-based position with local site support

Requirements

• DVM/VMD (or equivalent) from an accredited institution
• License to practice (or eligibility to obtain) in California
• DEA registration (or eligibility to obtain)
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Strong general practice, dentistry, and routine surgical skills
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to coach, develop, and engage veterinary teams
• Comfortable using electronic medical records and modern clinical software
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and travel locally between assigned sites as needed
• Availability for a schedule that includes some weekend and holiday coverage