Director of Practice & Clinical Services – Small Animal

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential veterinary practice in Gateshead seeking a Director of Practice & Clinical Services for small animal care. This is a fixed-term leadership role covering maternity leave for 8–9 months, with transition to a permanent Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon position thereafter.

Our client operates a well-established four-site practice with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities. You'll lead a team of 14 veterinary surgeons alongside experienced nursing staff, combining hands-on clinical work with strategic leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics
• Lead clinical governance initiatives and maintain clinical standards across multiple practice locations
• Mentor and support less experienced veterinary surgeons in their professional development
• Work closely with the leadership team to shape practice direction and service development
• Champion clinical excellence and foster a positive, collaborative team culture
• Support complex case management and knowledge sharing across the clinical team
• Work across multiple branch locations including Gateshead, Sunderland, Ryton, and Whickham
• Participate in a 1 in 3 Saturday rota across main and branch sites

What We're Looking For

• Veterinary degree with RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Strong experience in small animal first opinion practice
• Confidence in clinical decision-making across medicine and surgery
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience or interest in mentoring colleagues
• Strong communication and collaborative approach to team working
• Commitment to delivering high-quality patient and client care
• Proactive mindset with passion for developing people and clinical standards

Working Pattern: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Typically 38 hours across four weekdays with a set day off, plus 1 in 3 Saturday rota. Flexible working discussions welcomed.

The practice features modern equipment including Doppler ultrasound, ECG, digital radiography, dental x-ray, endoscopy, laparoscopy, orthopaedic surgery suite, and in-house laboratory. Strong support available for certificate development and clinical interests.

How We Work with You

When you apply through Get A Job.ai, our talent team will review your qualifications and conduct an initial screening conversation. We'll discuss your clinical experience, leadership background, and career goals to ensure strong alignment with this opportunity. Once we've prepared your profile, we'll submit you directly to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the practice independently, as all applications must come through our recruitment process to be considered.

Pay

Pay via Get A Job.ai: up to £90,000 depending on experience, plus welcome bonus up to £10,000 and relocation allowance up to £5,000.

Additional Benefits: 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays, private medical insurance, enhanced family leave, £1,250 annual care fund, CPD allowance, BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees, cycle to work scheme, retail discounts, and reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets.

Get A Job.ai is an equal opportunity recruiter. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.