At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a progressive equine surgical service, delivering clinical excellence.
- Company: Join Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, a top vet care provider in Berkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.8 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and funded CPD opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on equine surgical care and inspire future veterinary leaders.
- Qualifications: Board-certified equine surgeon with strong leadership and referral caseload experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Donnington Grove Veterinary Group is seeking an exceptional equine surgeon to join our senior leadership team as Director of Equine Surgery. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a progressive, referral-level surgical service within a highly regarded veterinary group at the heart of Berkshire’s equine community. This role is ideal for a highly experienced board-certified equine surgeon (ACVS/ECVS) with a strong referral caseload background who is driven to deliver clinical excellence, inspire teams and influence the future of equine surgical care.
Based in Newbury, Donnington Grove Veterinary Group has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, client-focused veterinary care. Our equine division supports a diverse caseload, from elite competition and racehorses to leisure and breeding horses, through a combination of ambulatory services, advanced diagnostics, hospitalisation and surgical care.
As the Director of Equine Surgery, you will provide senior clinical leadership across a large practice, hospital, or group of services, setting and delivering the clinical vision in line with inspiring vet care’s strategy, standards, and values. You will lead the continued development of a busy and diverse equine surgical service, combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership.
Our caseload spans:
- Elective and emergency soft tissue surgery
- Orthopaedic and fracture repair
- Arthroscopy and minimally invasive procedures
- Upper airway surgery
- Laparotomy and colic surgery
- Wound reconstruction and advanced diagnostics
Working closely with a broad client base, including sports horse, racing, breeding and leisure sectors, you will play a key role in advancing both clinical standards and client service.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clinical and strategic leadership for the equine surgery department
- Deliver high-quality elective and emergency surgical procedures
- Drive service growth, innovation and clinical excellence
- Mentor and develop residents, interns and nursing staff
- Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
- Build and strengthen relationships with referring vets and clients
- Lead clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives
- Contribute to business planning and operational decision‑making
- Represent the practice within the wider equine industry
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a senior veterinary leader with a strong track record of clinical excellence and strategic leadership. You’ll bring:
- Board-certified in equine surgery (ECVS and/or ACVS)
- Strong referral-level caseload experience
- Expertise across orthopaedic, soft tissue and emergency procedures
- Proven leadership and team development skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
- Commercial awareness and strategic mindset
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting you in a senior clinical leadership role. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- The opportunity to shape and lead clinical strategy across a large practice, hospital, or group of services
- Senior-level influence over clinical standards, governance, and service development
- Support to further develop strategic leadership, change management, and organisational impact
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider senior or executive leadership roles
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, innovation, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Referral Clinical Director - Equine Surgery in Newbury employer: Donnington Grove Veterinary Group
Donnington Grove Veterinary Group is an outstanding employer, offering a unique opportunity for equine surgeons to lead and innovate within a highly respected veterinary practice in the heart of Berkshire's equine community. With a strong commitment to clinical excellence, employee development, and a collaborative work culture, we provide extensive benefits including generous holiday allowance, private medical insurance, and funded professional development, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Donnington Grove Veterinary Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referral Clinical Director - Equine Surgery in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the equine surgery field and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. Personal referrals can make a huge difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in industry events and conferences. These gatherings are perfect for meeting potential employers and showcasing your expertise. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on the latest trends in equine surgery!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills online! Create a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn, highlighting your experience and achievements in equine surgery. This makes it easier for recruiters to find you and see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with our mission of delivering high-quality veterinary care.
We think you need these skills to ace Referral Clinical Director - Equine Surgery in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Equine Surgery role. Highlight your board certification, referral caseload experience, and any leadership roles you've held in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about equine surgery and how you can contribute to our vision at Donnington Grove. Be sure to mention your strategic mindset and commitment to clinical excellence.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior veterinary leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to mentor and develop teams. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive team culture and driven service growth in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Donnington Grove Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest techniques and advancements in equine surgery. Familiarise yourself with the specific procedures mentioned in the job description, like arthroscopy and colic surgery, so you can confidently discuss your experience and insights during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Equine Surgery, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored staff or driven service growth in previous roles. Highlight your strategic mindset and how you've contributed to clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives.
✨Engage with the Client Base
Since this role involves working closely with a diverse client base, think about how you can build relationships with referring vets and clients. Be ready to discuss your approach to client engagement and how you’ve enhanced client service in your past positions.
✨Align with Their Values
Donnington Grove Veterinary Group values high-quality, client-focused care. Research their culture and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission of healthier animals and happier owners.
