Job Description

Lead Clinical Director – Veterinary

Salary: Up to £90,000 per annum (FTE, depending on experience)
Location: Somerset / Wiltshire border
Job Type: Permanent | Full-time

Veterinary Clinical Director Opportunity – Multi-Site Practice 

A well-established and progressive veterinary group in Somerset and Wiltshire is seeking an experienced Lead Clinical Director (Veterinary Surgeon) to oversee clinical standards, support a large veterinary team, and help shape the future direction of a thriving multi-site veterinary practice.

This senior veterinary leadership position offers the opportunity to lead a highly experienced team of 24 Veterinary Surgeons and 50+ Veterinary Nurses, ensuring exceptional patient care while contributing to operational and strategic development.

With access to modern facilities, advanced diagnostics, and a 24/7 RCVS-accredited veterinary hospital, this role is ideal for an experienced Clinical Director, Senior Veterinary Surgeon, or Lead Vet looking to progress their leadership career.

About the Veterinary Practice 

This primary care small animal veterinary group provides high-quality veterinary services across several branches, supported by a central RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Frome providing 24/7 veterinary care.

The team includes several certificate holders and specialist clinicians, with additional support from a visiting Diplomate-led Ophthalmology referral service.

Veterinary Facilities & Equipment 

Clinicians across the group benefit from access to modern veterinary facilities including:

• Modern operating theatres with laparoscopic equipment
• Digital X-ray, dental X-ray and ultrasound imaging
• Full dental staging for all patients
• Orthopaedic surgery and laser therapy
• Isolation wards and modern consultation rooms
• Fully equipped on-site laboratory
• CT scanner located at the Frome veterinary hospital

All branches are accredited ISFM Cat Friendly Clinics, offering dedicated feline appointment blocks to improve patient welfare and clinical outcomes.

Veterinary Team & Practice Culture 

The group promotes a collaborative and supportive veterinary culture, encouraging all clinicians to contribute to clinical standards and practice development.

Veterinary team engagement includes:

• Monthly online veterinary clinical meetings
• Quarterly in-person breakfast meetings for clinical discussion and collaboration
• Regular feedback and recognition across the veterinary team

The practice supports a wide range of clinical interests, including:

• Orthopaedics
• Emergency & Critical Care (ECC)
• Cardiology
• Exotic animal medicine
• Internal medicine
• Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound
• Veterinary dentistry

The team also maintains a strong social culture, including:

• Running club
• Dog walking club
• Regular team social events throughout the year

Lead Clinical Director Responsibilities 

The Lead Clinical Director will play a key leadership role within the business unit, supporting clinical excellence and operational performance across the veterinary group.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading clinical governance and maintaining high veterinary clinical standards
• Supporting and mentoring Veterinary Surgeons and clinical teams
• Providing leadership and line management to the senior leadership team
• Managing budgets, financial performance and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Supporting recruitment, retention and professional development of veterinary staff
• Contributing to strategic planning and growth of the veterinary practice

Candidate Requirements 

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS) with a strong background in veterinary leadership and clinical governance.

Essential requirements include:

• MRCVS registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in a Clinical Director, Lead Vet, or veterinary leadership role
• Experience working within a multi-site veterinary practice or veterinary hospital preferred
• Experience managing budgets, financial performance and KPIs
• Strong clinical leadership, coaching and mentoring ability
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills
• Ability to manage change and support teams in a fast-paced clinical environment

Location – Somerset / Wiltshire 

The practice is located on the Somerset and Wiltshire border, offering a desirable balance of countryside living and excellent transport connections.

Nearby locations include:

• Bath
• Bristol
• Salisbury
• The Cotswolds
• South Coast (approximately one hour away)

The area benefits from direct train links to London, Bath and Bristol, making it an ideal location for veterinary professionals seeking both lifestyle and accessibility.

Veterinary Benefits Package 

The successful Lead Clinical Director will receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Up to £90,000 salary (FTE depending on experience)
• 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional birthday leave
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship available
• RCVS and VDS professional fees paid
• Employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Generous staff discount scheme
• High-quality veterinary uniform provided
• Protected induction and onboarding time
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
• Extensive internal CPD and funded external CPD opportunities

Apply 

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Clinical Director or Senior Veterinary Surgeon to lead a large, progressive veterinary team within a well-supported and forward-thinking veterinary group.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply to discuss this opportunity further.

For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Megan on 01904 570056 or email m.pinder@purovets.com

You can also WhatsApp us at WhatsApp - Purovets and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our great opportunities.  

To view all our vacancies, please visit https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/ 

And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250* for every successful candidate referral. *Terms and conditions apply.

Ref no: JOB-57582