Clinical Director – Equine

Job Description

Salary up to £72,000 DOE plus Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

Kessock Equine Vets is the only dedicated equine practice in the Highlands, delivering exceptional, 24/7 veterinary care to a diverse and loyal client base. This is a unique opportunity to join a well established, highly respected equine practice at a senior level, playing a key role in shaping its future direction, clinical standards, and team development.

Our practice offers:

• Dedicated equine only practice serving the Highlands region
• 24 hour service provision with a varied ambulatory caseload
• Experienced and committed multidisciplinary clinical team
• Strong reputation for high quality, client focused equine care
• Opportunity to influence service development, investment, and growth
• Flexible clinical involvement alongside leadership responsibilities

About IVC Evidensia

IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.

At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability and fulfilment-at every stage of their career.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Director of Practice & Clinical Services, you will have overall responsibility for the clinical, operational and strategic performance of the practice, working closely with the Practice Manager to deliver outstanding patient and client care while ensuring long term sustainability and growth.

You’ll lead the clinical direction of the practice, support and develop the veterinary team and drive continuous improvement across clinical standards, governance and service delivery. This role is pivotal in shaping culture, strengthening team capability and enhancing the practice’s reputation within the region.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and governance, ensuring high standards of care and decision making across the practice
• Support, mentor and develop veterinary surgeons and the wider team to build capability and engagement
• Oversee clinical protocols, patient pathways and quality improvement initiatives
• Work collaboratively with the Practice Manager on operational performance, workforce planning and service sustainability
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the practice, including service development, investment planning and growth opportunities
• Act as a senior ambassador for the practice with clients, referring practices and external stakeholders
• Maintain a level of clinical involvement, with flexibility depending on individual preference and experience
• Full time role with participation in the on call/OOH rota as required

Location, Lifestyle & Culture

Located in Inverness, at the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this role offers an excellent work life balance alongside a senior leadership opportunity. The area is known for its stunning scenery, outdoor lifestyle and strong sense of community, with easy access to mountains, coastline and countryside.

The practice fosters a collaborative, supportive culture with a strong focus on clinical excellence, teamwork and continuous improvement, creating an environment where people feel valued and able to grow.

You Might Be a Great Fit If

You are a senior clinical leader with strong equine expertise, commercial awareness and a passion for developing people and services. You’ll bring:

• Significant experience as an equine veterinary surgeon, ideally with advanced qualifications (e.g. CertAVP or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior clinical or leadership role, with responsibility for team support and development
• Strong financial and business awareness, with an interest in practice performance and sustainability
• The ability to lead, engage and motivate teams, creating a positive and high performing culture
• Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits and continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• A collaborative, values driven leadership style aligned with high clinical and client care standards

How We’ll Support You

At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting you in a senior leadership role. When you join us you’ll benefit from:

• The opportunity to shape the direction and growth of a well established, high performing practice
• A balance of clinical work and strategic leadership
• Access to a wide professional network and referral support
• Ongoing leadership and clinical development opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive culture focused on continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• In addition to a salary of up to £72,000 DOE, you will benefit from:
• £5,000 Relocation Bonus (subject to eligibility)
• 6.8 weeks holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme
• Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you
• Discounted staff pet care
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

Kessock Equine Vets

The Paddock, Drumsmittal, IV1 3ZF, United Kingdom

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At IVC Evidensia we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging. We are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.