Clinical Director

About the Role

This is a leadership opportunity at Calder Vets, a Tier 3 RCVS-accredited hospital in Dewsbury that supports seven satellite clinics across South and West Yorkshire. You’ll work 40 hours over four days with a manageable 1:4 weekend rota (daytime only), and crucially, there’s no out-of-hours responsibility—a dedicated 24-hour emergency team handles overnight care, so you can maintain genuine work-life balance.

You’ll be stepping into a role where clinical excellence and team development are genuinely valued. The practice is built on a foundation of strong clinical interests spanning dermatology, dentistry, surgery, medicine, and imaging. You’ll have access to outstanding facilities including CT scanner, digital X-ray, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, in-house laboratory, endoscopy, state-of-the-art dental suite, Cryopen, and laparoscopy. With referral support from sister hospital Paragon Veterinary Referrals, you’ll have confidence tackling complex cases.

The practice holds Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation across multiple locations and is committed to sustainability with Investors in Environment Silver Accreditation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and strategic direction for the hospital and its seven satellite clinics
• Drive clinical governance and ensure adherence to practice protocols across all sites
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership team on gold-standard veterinary care, team wellbeing, and operational decisions
• Support and mentor veterinary surgeons and nursing staff, fostering a positive, cohesive team culture
• Promote evidence-based medicine and high standards of clinical care and client service
• Engage in case discussions and lead by example in a fast-paced, supportive environment

Requirements

• Experienced veterinary surgeon with proven clinical leadership capability or a Lead Veterinary Surgeon ready to step up
• Consistent track record of upholding high clinical and client service standards
• Demonstrable experience in clinical governance and protocol development
• Strong clinical decision-making skills with a commitment to evidence-based practice
• Proven mentoring and team development ability
• Calm, positive approach to working under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative mindset and genuine interest in team wellbeing and workplace culture

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• Relocation support provided
• RCVS and VDS fees paid by the practice
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Generous staff discount scheme
• Life assurance
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Extensive internal and funded external CPD opportunities
• Dedicated admin time within working week in private office space

About the Practice

Calder Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. As a privately-owned group, they’re driven by purpose—creating a better world for pets—rather than short-term profits. The practice operates a network of clinics across South and West Yorkshire, supported by specialist referral expertise through Paragon Veterinary Referrals.

The team comprises passionate veterinary professionals committed to clinical excellence, client care, patient care, teamwork, development, and positivity. With RCVS Tier 3 accreditation, Cat Friendly Clinic recognition, and a commitment to sustainability, Calder Vets attracts like-minded clinicians who thrive in a supportive, collaborative environment where professional development and team wellbeing are genuinely prioritised.