Clinical Director – Equine

About the Role

This is a senior clinical leadership opportunity at Kessock Equine Vets, the only dedicated equine practice in the Scottish Highlands. You’ll combine meaningful clinical work with strategic responsibility, shaping the practice’s direction, clinical standards, and team development. Based in Inverness at the heart of stunning countryside, this full-time role offers genuine work-life balance alongside an enviable professional challenge—24-hour service provision with a varied ambulatory caseload and a multidisciplinary clinical team to lead.

You’ll work closely with the Practice Manager on operational performance whilst maintaining your own clinical involvement at a level that suits you. This is a rare chance to influence service development, investment planning, and growth at a practice with an established reputation for high-quality, client-focused equine care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and governance, ensuring high standards of care and decision-making across the practice
• Support, mentor, and develop the veterinary team to build capability and engagement
• Oversee clinical protocols, patient pathways, and quality improvement initiatives
• Work collaboratively with the Practice Manager on workforce planning, operational performance, and service sustainability
• Contribute to strategic direction including service development, investment planning, and growth opportunities
• Act as senior ambassador for the practice with clients, referring practices, and external stakeholders
• Maintain clinical involvement with flexibility depending on individual preference and experience
• Participate in the on-call/OOH rota as required

Requirements

• Significant experience as an equine veterinary surgeon, ideally with advanced qualifications (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
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage, and motivate teams, creating positive and high-performing culture
• Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative, values-driven leadership style aligned with high clinical and client care standards

Benefits

• Salary up to £72,000 depending on experience
• £5,000 relocation allowance (subject to eligibility)
• 6.8 weeks holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme
• Voluntary benefits package—choose from a range to suit you
• Discounted staff pet care
• Access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Ongoing leadership and clinical development opportunities
• Access to wide professional network and referral support

About the Practice

Kessock Equine Vets is the only dedicated equine practice serving the Scottish Highlands, delivering exceptional 24-hour veterinary care to a diverse and loyal client base. The practice is built on a strong reputation for high-quality, client-focused care and is supported by an experienced, committed multidisciplinary clinical team. Located in Inverness, the practice is ideally positioned to serve the region’s thriving equine community.

As part of IVC Evidensia—the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group—Kessock Equine Vets benefits from access to professional networks, referral support, and investment in learning and innovation. IVC Evidensia comprises over 900 practices and referral hospitals united by a shared purpose: happier animals, happier owners. The group is committed to supporting careers without limits, enabling clinical impact, broadening career opportunities, and fostering environments where teams grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment.