About the Role
You'll take the helm as Veterinary Practice Director across three connected sites in Chichester, Rustington, and Felpham, providing strategic and operational leadership that balances clinical excellence with commercial awareness. Working closely with the Practice Manager, Clinical Director, and Regional Director, you'll drive business performance, champion exceptional patient care, and build a positive team culture where colleagues thrive.
This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover role (40 hours per week, variable shift pattern as required) that reports directly into regional leadership within the CVS Group framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead overall practice performance, development, and strategic direction across all three sites
- Drive business growth and financial performance in partnership with practice and regional teams
- Champion CVS values and strategic objectives at local level, ensuring RCVS compliance and clinical governance standards
- Inspire, engage, and develop colleagues, creating a high-performing and positive culture
- Ensure clinical and behavioural standards meet RCVS requirements and CVS Clinical Governance standards
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance patient care and client experience
- Manage employment costs and operational expenditure effectively
- Provide high-quality surgical and medical care in accordance with professional standards
- Represent the practice at regional meetings, conferences, and business events
- Work collaboratively to maximise efficiency, productivity, and service delivery
Requirements
- Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with current RCVS registration (MRCVS)
- Previous leadership or management experience, ideally within a clinical environment
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of business performance metrics
- Commitment to delivering exceptional patient and client care
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to influence, engage, and build strong working relationships
- Highly organised with strong problem-solving capabilities
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications
- Experience leading organisational change or business growth initiatives (desirable)
- Previous responsibility for financial planning, budgeting, or P&L management (desirable)
Benefits
- Salary of £43,200 to £67,100 depending on skills and experience
- 5 weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Long Service Award: additional day's leave for each year of service, up to 5 extra days
- Private healthcare and comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to 400+ Mental Health First Aiders
- Staff discount on veterinary services and products
- Learning, development, and career progression opportunities across CVS
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
About the Practice
West Sussex Veterinary Centres is part of CVS Group plc, one of the UK's largest integrated veterinary services providers. The practice operates across three locations in Chichester, Rustington, and Felpham, serving the local community with exceptional small animal care. The team is dedicated to delivering outstanding clinical outcomes and exceptional client experiences.
CVS Group is built on the purpose of making animal care better for people, pets, and communities. The organisation encompasses veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, and an e-commerce division, with a strong commitment to clinical governance, staff development, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
