Lead Clinical Director

About the Role

This is a permanent, full-time Clinical Director position leading clinical standards and strategy across Garston Veterinary Group, a progressive multi-site practice spanning Somerset and Wiltshire. You'll guide a large team of 24 veterinary surgeons and 50+ nurses, working alongside a collaborative leadership team in an environment underpinned by advanced facilities including a 24/7 RCVS-accredited hospital in Frome.

The practice combines the calm of rural countryside with excellent accessibility to Bath, the Cotswolds, Bristol, and direct train links to London. You'll be joining a genuinely sociable team with running and dog-walking clubs, plus regular social events throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical excellence and set clinical standards across all branches of Garston Veterinary Group
• Guide and mentor a team of 24 veterinary surgeons and 50+ nursing staff, fostering clear communication and celebrating achievements
• Lead the Senior Leadership Team within the Business Unit, with responsibility for line management and strategic direction
• Manage budgets, deliver financial performance, and meet KPIs across the multi-site group
• Chair monthly clinical meetings (Teams-based) and quarterly in-person breakfast meetings with all clinicians
• Shape practice protocols and services through collaborative feedback and evidence-based clinical leadership
• Oversee clinical interests including orthopaedics, emergency and critical care, cardiology, exotics, internal medicine, ultrasound imaging, and dentistry
• Work closely with Head of Region, Medical, HR, and central support teams within the wider Linnaeus network

Requirements

• MRCVS registration with extensive clinical experience
• Minimum 3+ years leading a practice or in multi-site leadership roles
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, delivering financial performance, and tracking KPIs
• Proven clinical leadership with coaching and mentoring experience
• Inspirational leadership ability, setting the tone and acting as a role model to associates
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience and adaptability to lead teams through rapid change and high-pressure situations

Benefits

• Salary up to £95,000 per annum FTE, depending on experience
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Relocation and visa sponsorship support
• Generous staff discount
• High-quality uniform provided
• New starter protected induction training time
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Extensive internal and funded external CPD allowance

About the Practice

Garston Veterinary Group is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. The practice comprises progressive primary care branches with advanced clinical facilities including modern theatres, laparoscopic equipment, digital x-ray, dental x-ray and ultrasound, full dental staging, laser therapy capability, isolation wards, onsite laboratory, and a CT scanner at the Frome hospital. All branches are ISFM Cat Friendly Clinics with dedicated feline appointment blocks.

The team includes Certificate holders and a visiting Diplomate-led Ophthalmology service. The 24/7 RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Frome is fully staffed overnight by an experienced night nurse team. Being part of Linnaeus, you'll have access to a network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing package prioritising physical and mental health.