Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative veterinary strategies and projects to enhance affordable care.
- Company: Join Blue Cross UK, a purpose-driven organisation focused on animal welfare and healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary care while fostering a high-performing culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in veterinary or healthcare settings with strategic planning experience.
- Other info: This is a 9-12 month maternity cover role with flexible working options.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 59000 £ per year.
Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover)
Join to apply for the Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover) role at Blue Cross UK
Continue with Google Continue with Google
Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover)
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover) role at Blue Cross UK
Description
Application Deadline: 13 July 2025
Department: Veterinary Services
Location: United Kingdom
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.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Contract
Job function
-
Job function
Business Development and Sales
-
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Blue Cross UK by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Head of Strategy” roles.
Continue with Google Continue with Google
Continue with Google Continue with Google
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Innovation Strategy and Policy Deputy Head
London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Director – Business Growth and Strategic Partnerships
London, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Vice President, Partners and Ecosystem – International
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Greater London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Greater London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
SVP – Head of Business Development, Europe
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
AVP, EMEA Head of Learning & Development
London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Head of Senior Leadership Development & Culture
London, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Greater London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 months ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover) (London) employer: Blue Cross UK
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover) (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the veterinary and healthcare sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or stakeholders. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Blue Cross's mission and values. Understanding their approach to animal welfare and healthcare will help you align your vision with theirs, making it easier to demonstrate your fit for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the presentation task by researching current trends in veterinary services and innovative digital solutions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will showcase your strategic thinking and readiness to lead transformative projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, especially for presenting to boards and professional audiences. Clear and effective communication is crucial for this role, so consider mock interviews or presentations to refine your delivery.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover) (London)
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 your approach to implementing change across complex structures.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with financial modelling, pricing strategies, and leading change initiatives. Be sure to include any experience with digital developments in service delivery settings.
Prepare for the Interview: Since the interview process includes a presentation task, prepare a clear and engaging presentation that showcases your strategic vision for veterinary services. Practice articulating your ideas and be ready to discuss how you would implement them at Blue Cross.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross UK
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Veterinary Strategy role. Familiarise yourself with Blue Cross's mission, values, and current veterinary services. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Prepare for Competency-Based Questions
Since the first stage of the interview is competency-based, prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to manage change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Be ready to discuss your vision for the future of veterinary services. Think about innovative solutions and how you would implement them at Blue Cross. Highlight your experience with digital developments and how they can enhance service delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders by discussing your experience in building partnerships and managing relationships. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully influenced others and driven growth through collaboration.
