About the Role
This is a leadership opportunity for an experienced equine vet seeking to develop a growing equine service within a supportive, values-led practice. You'll work Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with a 1 in 4 weekend on-call rota and days off in lieu. The caseload is varied and rewarding, spanning leisure, sport, and performance horses.
The purpose-built equine clinic is comprehensive, featuring examination rooms, stables, a knockdown box, and paddocks. Equipment includes x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, gastroscopy, shock wave therapy, and dentistry services. The in-house small animal lab provides quick turnaround for urgent cases.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead clinical standards, governance, and patient care across the equine service
- Provide clinical leadership and mentorship to the equine team
- Oversee complex cases and act as primary clinical decision-maker
- Deliver exceptional clinical care across routine and emergency equine work
- Drive development and expansion of equine services
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Contribute to clinical protocols, audits, and continuous improvement
- Collaborate with senior practice leadership on strategic direction
- Participate in the shared out-of-hours and weekend rota
Requirements
- MRCVS registered veterinary surgeon with substantial equine experience
- Veterinary degree and RCVS registration
- Proven advanced surgical and medical capability in equine practice
- Established or aspiring leadership with strong mentoring and team-building skills
- Confidence in both routine and emergency equine work
- Proven experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities
- Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement
- Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
- Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to high patient and client care standards
- Excellent communication with a client-focused mindset
- Interest in developing specific clinical areas or services welcomed
Benefits
- Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience, plus £5,000 welcome bonus
- £1,250 annual Care Fund
- 6.8 weeks holiday including bank holidays
- CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
- BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
- Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
- Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
About the Practice
Vet North-West operates under the Inspiring Vet Care banner, part of a progressive UK veterinary group trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. Rufford Vets in Merseyside is a client-focused practice with a purpose-built equine facility offering specialist services including advanced diagnostics and therapeutic treatments.
The practice is committed to supporting its people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives, and access to world-class learning resources. The culture is collaborative and values-led, focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.
