At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-performing laboratory teams while driving strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join a leading Veterinary Pathology Group with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, life assurance, and a dog-friendly office.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary diagnostics and shape the future of the industry.
- Qualifications: Masters degree in Life Science and significant experience in veterinary diagnostics required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: On site at our Exeter laboratory, UK with frequent travel to Ringwood and other sites as required.
Job type: Permanent / Full-time; 40 hours a week.
Annual Salary Range: from £60,000.00 to £65,000.00.
The Role
As Regional Head of Laboratories, you will play a key role in the leadership team, helping shape and deliver the VPG strategy while leading and developing high‑performing laboratory teams across the region.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across regional laboratories, ensuring delivery against financial, quality and performance targets.
- Drive sustainable growth in line with group strategy, leading complex projects and change initiatives while maintaining high staff engagement.
- Oversee laboratory quality, QA/QC and reporting turnaround times, ensure full compliance with health, safety and quality policies, and manage resources effectively.
- Build strong client relationships, address issues professionally, and represent the business at industry events.
- Recruit, develop and appraise staff, supporting succession planning and collaboration across the wider VPG network.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Discount platform (supermarkets, high street, cinema & travel)
- 25 days annual leave (28 days after 3 years of service)
- Enhanced absences (sickness and parental)
- Learning & Development opportunities
- Dog friendly offices
Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities
Essential
- Masters Degree or equivalent qualification or experience (preferably in a Life Science)
- Experience in veterinary Biochemistry and Haematology analysis
- Significant experience managing or supervising a veterinary diagnostic laboratory
- Excellent IT skills, familiar with Microsoft office and LIMS systems
- Experience in leading, developing and delivering a change programme whilst improving employee engagement
- Experience in client‑facing meetings and presentations with excellent negotiation and influencing skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and employees at all levels
- Excellent prioritising, time management and organisational skills
- Clean driving licence
Desirable
- Extensive knowledge of the Veterinary community and client base
- Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in business development and management
Regional Head of Laboratories (southwest) – Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) in Exeter employer: British Society of Veterinary Pathology
As a leading employer in the veterinary diagnostics sector, VPG offers a dynamic work environment at our Exeter laboratory, where you will have the opportunity to lead and develop high-performing teams while driving strategic initiatives. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive learning and development opportunities, alongside competitive benefits such as enhanced leave and a dog-friendly office culture. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary pathology while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
Contact Details:
British Society of Veterinary Pathology Recruitment Team
