Clinical Director

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior clinician to step into a Clinical Director position, or for an established Clinical Director seeking progression within a supportive, expanding practice. Based at White Oak Vets in Peterlee, you'll provide strong clinical and people leadership across a collaborative small animal team, working full-time 40 hours per week (part-time hours available on request).

You'll oversee complex cases, shape clinical standards, and mentor colleagues while keeping client care central to everything you do. CVS invests heavily in training, mentorship, and clinical infrastructure. You'll have access to telemedicine specialists, regional clinical leads, and a network of 400+ wellbeing champions across the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and direction across the practice team, setting clear standards and inspiring colleagues to deliver exceptional care
• Oversee complex cases and support decision-making across the small animal caseload
• Develop and mentor team members through coaching, constructive feedback, and regular check-ins
• Lead with the CVS I CARE values: inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, role modelling, and empathy
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture where colleagues feel supported and empowered to grow
• Work collaboratively with the wider CVS network, including Advanced Clinical Services and regional clinical leads for case support

Requirements

• RCVS registered veterinary surgeon with significant clinical experience
• Proven leadership capability or clear readiness to step into a Clinical Director role
• Strong clinical expertise and confident decision-making in complex cases
• Passion for mentoring and developing others
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Alignment with CVS values: inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, integrity, and empathy

Benefits

• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full
• Generous CPD allowance with access to 450+ courses, BSAVA library, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) including tuition, exams, and study leave
• Up to 33 days holiday with buy/sell options
• CVS Pension Scheme
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network, and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing Champions network and enhanced family leave policies
• Staff pet care discounts: 50% off services and MiPet food and medications
• Monthly line-manager check-ins and access to pastoral support vets and personal mentors

About the Practice

White Oak Vets is part of CVS Veterinary Group, a leading UK veterinary practice network within Mars Veterinary Health. CVS is committed to creating a workplace where colleagues feel welcome, valued, and able to do their best work. The practice benefits from a central expert support team including HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, and procurement. CVS also invests significantly in practice facilities through a dedicated multi-million-pound improvement fund.

Based in Peterlee, County Durham, the practice is commutable from Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Durham, Hartlepool, and surrounding areas across the North East.