About the Role
Vets Now, the UK's leading provider of out-of-hours emergency pet care, is seeking an Area Director to drive business success across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and Wales regions. This is a 9-month fixed-term contract role, primarily home-based with regular travel across your assigned territory. You'll lead a network of over 60+ locations, mentoring clinical and non-clinical teams while strengthening relationships with over 1,000 partner practices.
As Area Director, you'll be the bridge between central support and clinic operations, championing Vets Now's core values while building a culture of excellence. Your leadership will directly influence retention, growth, and the continuous professional development of your teams across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and influence teams across multiple ECC sites, mentoring clinical and area managers to drive performance improvement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with host and partner practices, ensuring outstanding client experiences
- Develop your team through coaching and mentorship, supporting new colleagues and fostering talent retention
- Facilitate collaboration between central support and clinic operations, ensuring smooth cross-functional delivery
- Champion continuous professional development, ensuring all clinical and non-clinical staff have access to relevant CPD opportunities and equal advancement paths
- Review financial KPIs and performance data to identify trends, efficiency opportunities, and areas for improvement
- Advocate for the Vets Now network internally and externally, engaging colleagues and supporting business growth
- Use financial acumen and P&L oversight to drive sustainable performance and commercial excellence
Requirements
- Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a commercial or operational environment
- High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, balanced with sound commercial and financial acumen
- Proven track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams
- Significant P&L responsibility in a previous role
- Ability to understand and interpret financial KPIs to drive performance improvements
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build respect and trust internally and externally
- Self-starter mentality with drive, motivation, and demonstrated success in high-intensity environments
- Critical thinking skills and confidence to challenge constructively at all levels of the business
- Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly across your region
Benefits
- Salary up to £70,000 depending on experience, plus car allowance
- 7 weeks annual leave (pro rata)
- Birthday paid day off
- Cash Health Plan provided by Simply Health
- Vets Now For You reward gateway with discounts and cashback from 100+ retailers
- Family-friendly policies including sick pay, maternity, paternity, and adoption pay schemes
- UK Standard Pension contributions (5% employee, 3% employer)
- Up to 50% discounted staff pet care
- Paid volunteering days
- Death in service benefit of two times annual salary
About the Practice
Vets Now is the UK's largest provider of out-of-hours emergency care, operating over 60+ locations and treating more emergency cases than any other veterinary group. The organisation partners with over 1,000 veterinary practices to deliver 24/7 emergency coverage, backed by a commitment to clinical excellence and staff development.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Vets Now welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The company prides itself on flexibility and fostering a supportive culture where people can thrive professionally.
