About the Role
Donnington Grove Veterinary Group is recruiting an exceptional equine surgeon to join the senior leadership team as Director of Equine Surgery. This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape a progressive, referral-level surgical service within a highly regarded veterinary group in the heart of Berkshire's equine community.
Based in Newbury, you'll manage a busy and diverse equine surgical department combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership. The role exposes you to a comprehensive range of soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries in both elective and emergency settings, serving sports horses, Thoroughbred racing, breeding and leisure sectors. This is a full-time, permanent leadership position with significant influence over clinical standards and service development.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clinical and strategic leadership for the equine surgery department
- Deliver high-quality elective and emergency surgical procedures across soft tissue, orthopaedics, arthroscopy, upper airway surgery, laparotomy and colic work
- Drive service growth, innovation and clinical excellence
- Mentor and develop residents, interns and nursing staff
- Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
- Build and strengthen relationships with referring veterinarians and clients
- Lead clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives
- Contribute to business planning and operational decision-making
- Represent the practice within the wider equine industry
Requirements
- Board certification in equine surgery (ECVS and/or ACVS)
- Strong referral-level caseload experience
- Expertise across orthopaedic, soft tissue and emergency surgical procedures
- Proven leadership and team development skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
- Commercial awareness and strategic mindset
Benefits
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- The opportunity to shape and lead clinical strategy across a large practice and group of services
- Senior-level influence over clinical standards, governance, and service development
- Support to develop strategic leadership, change management and organisational impact skills
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider senior or executive leadership roles
- 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
About the Practice
Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, based in Newbury, has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, client-focused veterinary care. The equine division supports a diverse caseload through ambulatory services, advanced diagnostics, hospitalisation and surgical care.
Donnington Grove is part of inspiring vet care (IVC Evidensia), the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The organisation is committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and is a Disability Confident Employer.
