Lead Clinical Director

About the Role

This is a permanent, full-time leadership opportunity within Garston Veterinary Group, a progressive primary care practice spanning Somerset and Wiltshire. You’ll take on the strategic clinical direction of a large, well-established group with advanced facilities including a 24/7 RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Frome, fully staffed overnight by a dedicated night nurse team.

You’ll lead an exceptional team of 24 vets and 50+ nurses across multiple sites, helping to shape protocols, services, and the collaborative culture that defines the practice. The group benefits from a strong collaborative leadership model—clinicians meet monthly via Teams and quarterly in person—ensuring all voices contribute to shaping the practice’s future. This role offers genuine autonomy and the scale to make a lasting clinical impact.

The practice is situated on the Somerset/Wiltshire border, surrounded by countryside yet minutes from Bath, the Cotswolds, Bristol, and direct train links to London. It’s the perfect balance of rural calm and cultural access.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership and clinical vision across the multi-site group, setting standards and acting as a clinical role model
• Lead and manage a senior leadership team within the business unit, driving performance and team development
• Coach and mentor the wider associate team (24 vets), fostering clinical excellence and professional development
• Manage clinical budgets, deliver financial performance targets, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Lead the group through change and high-pressure situations with resilience and adaptability
• Collaborate with Head of Region and Linnaeus central support to align clinical strategies with group vision
• Help shape clinical protocols and services, leveraging the group’s diverse clinical interests including orthopaedics, ECC, cardiology, exotics, internal medicine, ultrasound imaging, dentistry, and ophthalmology
• Champion a culture of clear communication, celebration of achievements, and regular feedback across all teams

Requirements

• MRCVS with extensive clinical experience
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience leading a practice or multi-site leadership role
• Proven experience managing budgets, delivering financial performance, and monitoring KPIs
• Experience in coaching and mentoring clinical teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated line management experience with senior leadership teams
• Inspirational leadership ability with genuine capacity to motivate and develop others
• Resilience and adaptability to lead teams through rapid change and high-pressure situations

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £95,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays plus birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Life assurance
• Generous staff discount
• High-quality uniform provided
• New starter protected induction training time
• Employer pension contribution
• Enhanced equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Extensive internal and funded external CPD allowance
• Relocation and visa sponsorship support
• Access to comprehensive wellbeing package prioritising physical and mental health
• Vibrant practice culture including running club, dog-walking club, and regular social events

About the Practice

Garston Veterinary Group is a progressive, well-established primary care practice serving Somerset and Wiltshire with modern facilities across multiple sites. The group features advanced surgical theatres with laparoscopic kit, digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound imaging, laser therapy, orthopaedic surgery capabilities, isolation wards, a comprehensive onsite laboratory, and a CT scanner at the Frome hospital. All branches are ISFM Cat Friendly Clinics with dedicated feline appointment blocks.

The practice is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. With over 6,000 associates globally, Linnaeus is driven by its purpose to create a better world for pets—starting with a better world for its people. The group offers access to a vast network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing package. Garston’s clinical team includes Certificate holders and a visiting Diplomate-led Ophthalmology service, with diverse interests spanning orthopaedics, emergency and critical care, cardiology, exotics, internal medicine, ultrasound, and dentistry.