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- Tasks: Lead innovative veterinary strategies and projects to enhance affordable care.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a purpose-driven organisation focused on animal welfare and healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary care while nurturing a high-performing culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in veterinary or healthcare settings is essential.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role with a fixed-term contract of 9-12 months.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 59000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 13 July 2025
Department: Veterinary Services
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: United Kingdom
Reporting To: Director of Veterinary Services
Compensation: £57,500 - £71,000 / year
Description
Contract: 9 - 12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
Salary: £57,500 – £71,000 per annum
Plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance if based from our London offices.
Location: Hybrid from our London offices, with occasional travel to Blue Cross sites as required. Remote working will also be considered.
Closing date: Sunday 13 July 2025
Interview dates: See below
We’re recruiting a strategic, innovative, and commercially minded Head of Veterinary Strategy to lead the design and delivery of sustainable veterinary service models. This pivotal maternity cover role will help shape the future of affordable veterinary care at Blue Cross.
More about the role
You’ll lead transformational projects across the veterinary directorate, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to expand the reach of our services. From scoping emerging technologies and business growth opportunities to developing flexible pricing models and influencing national strategy, you’ll play a critical part in achieving our ambition to be leaders in pragmatic and efficient veterinary services.
You’ll develop strategic partnerships and oversee the implementation of innovative digital solutions, ensuring our services are future-ready and accessible to more people and pets. As a key member of the Veterinary Leadership team and wider Blue Cross Leadership team, you'll also nurture a healthy, high-performing culture across the organisation.
This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a truly purpose-led organisation, working at the intersection of animal welfare, healthcare, and innovation.
This is a full-time position, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, on a 9 to 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. The role follows a hybrid working pattern, with a minimum of two days per week in the office and the remainder working from home. Some travel to other sites will be required. We are open to considering remote working arrangements.
About you
You’re a strategic thinker with experience of leading large-scale service development in a veterinary or healthcare setting. You're confident working at pace and with autonomy, turning insight into action and engaging stakeholders at all levels to bring your vision to life.
You’re commercially astute, data-led and always thinking one step ahead – driven by a passion for improving access to veterinary care and a deep belief in our mission. With proven leadership experience, you know how to build high-performing teams and implement change across complex structures while staying grounded in compassion, courage, and inclusivity – our Blue Cross values.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Extensive leadership experience across diverse, multidisciplinary teams
- Deep understanding of large-scale service delivery in a veterinary or healthcare setting
- Experience of successfully designing and delivering strategic plans
- Experience of leading change initiatives at scale across complex organisational structures or services
- Experience of providing high level stakeholder management leading to growth through new business development opportunities
- Experience of working as part of a senior leadership or strategy team
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience at presenting to boards, public and professional audiences
- Experience of implementing new technologies or digital developments in service delivery settings
- Experience with financial modelling and pricing strategies
- The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Qualification in business or strategy management
- Certified in programme and/or project management methodology (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, APMG)
- Experience in the social sector
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 13 July 2025. The interview process will consist of two stages. The first stage will be a competency-based interview held via MS Teams, scheduled between 23 and 25 July 2025. The second stage will take place in person in London on 31 July or 1 August 2025 and will include a presentation task.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover) employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross For Pets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in veterinary services and healthcare. Understanding emerging technologies and innovative service models will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the veterinary and healthcare sectors. Engaging with industry leaders can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the presentation task in the second stage of the interview process. Think about how you can showcase your leadership experience and strategic vision, particularly in relation to improving access to veterinary care.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Blue Cross's values and mission thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs will show your commitment to their cause and enhance your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive leadership experience and strategic thinking skills relevant to the veterinary or healthcare sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead large-scale service development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving access to veterinary care and how your values align with those of Blue Cross. Mention your experience in stakeholder management and how you can contribute to their mission.
Prepare for the Presentation Task: Since the interview process includes a presentation task, think about how you can effectively communicate your strategic vision for veterinary services. Practice presenting complex ideas clearly and confidently.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any qualifications in business or strategy management, as well as any certifications in project management methodologies. This will strengthen your application and show your commitment to professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Veterinary Strategy role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with Blue Cross's mission. This will help you articulate your vision and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Competency-Based Questions
Since the first stage of the interview is competency-based, prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your leadership skills, strategic planning, and ability to manage change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As the role requires a commercially minded individual, be ready to discuss your experience with financial modelling and pricing strategies. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led that resulted in business growth or improved service delivery.
✨Engage with the Blue Cross Values
Demonstrate your alignment with Blue Cross's values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity throughout the interview. Share examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous roles, especially in leading diverse teams and fostering a high-performing culture.
