Clinical Director - Equine

About the Role

This is a senior clinical leadership opportunity at Kessock Equine Vets, the only equine-exclusive practice in the Scottish Highlands. You'll take genuine ownership of clinical standards, team development, and strategic direction whilst maintaining a balance of clinical work aligned to your interests. Based in Inverness, this role combines visible leadership with real clinical autonomy in a location renowned for space, landscape, and outdoor living.

The practice delivers 24/7 ambulatory and emergency equine care to a loyal and diverse client base. You'll work up to 40 hours per week with a 1:4.5 OOH weekend rota shared with the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical governance, standards, and decision-making across the practice
• Shape clinical protocols, patient pathways, and quality improvement initiatives
• Mentor and develop a small, highly engaged veterinary team
• Collaborate on operational performance, workforce planning, and sustainability
• Drive service development, investment priorities, and strategic growth
• Act as senior clinical ambassador to clients and referring practices
• Maintain clinical involvement in accordance with your professional interests and strengths
• Participate in the out-of-hours rota as part of shared team commitment

Requirements

• Significant experience as an equine veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise
• Advanced qualifications desirable (e.g. CertAVP or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior clinical or leadership role with responsibility for team support and development
• Strong financial and business awareness, with interest in practice performance and sustainability
• Ability to lead, engage, and motivate teams and create a positive, high-performing culture
• Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits, and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative, values-driven leadership style aligned with high clinical and client care standards

Benefits

• Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay for maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• BEVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (where eligible)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Flexible working arrangements shaped around your needs

About the Practice

Kessock Equine Vets is the only dedicated equine practice in the Scottish Highlands, delivering 24/7 veterinary care with a well-established reputation and committed clinical team. Part of IVC Evidensia (the UK's number one vet care provider serving over 2 million animals), the practice operates from a strong foundation with genuine opportunity for future growth and development.

Built on collaboration, clinical pride, and trust, the team is small with strong relationships and a shared commitment to high standards. The practice values clinical judgement, autonomy, and leadership that builds on existing strengths rather than simply managing them.