At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in avian and exotic veterinary care while maintaining your own clinical caseload.
- Company: Great Western Exotics is a top-tier veterinary hospital for exotic animals in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 7 weeks annual leave, private medical insurance, and a competitive CPD package.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and speaking at national and international events.
- Why this job: Join a supportive community, influence veterinary medicine, and work with diverse species.
- Qualifications: RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon with significant experience in exotic medicine required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Clinical Director – Exotics
Great Western Exotics
One of the UK’s leading avian and exotic animal veterinary hospitals, GWE is a Tier 3 RCVS-accredited practice providing 24/7 primary care, referral services, and emergency out-of-hours support in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Take the lead in a unique and inspiring hospital
At Great Western Exotics, we are one of the UK’s leading avian and exotic animal referral hospitals, welcoming patients from all over the country. From parrots to pythons, meerkats to macaws, our caseload is wonderfully varied, and our dedicated team thrives on the challenge of providing outstanding care to species large, small, furry, feathered, and scaled.
We are looking for an approachable and motivated Clinical Director to guide our experienced and passionate team into the next exciting chapter. This is a role where you can combine leadership with hands-on clinical work, influencing the future of exotics veterinary medicine while staying grounded in the patient care you love.
Being part of the IVC Evidensia Referral Network means you’ll have access to a huge breadth of knowledge and collaboration across disciplines. You’ll benefit from shared expertise, advanced diagnostic and treatment resources, and a supportive community of clinical leaders across the UK and Europe — all while retaining the unique identity and spirit of Great Western Exotics.
Lead with purpose, guide with passion
- Working closely with the Practice Director and senior leadership team to support and inspire our staff.
- Leading the delivery of high standards in all aspects of patient and client care, with a focus on teamwork, communication, and continual improvement.
- Mentoring residents and veterinary surgeons, supporting our ECZM residency programme and encouraging professional development throughout the team.
- Maintaining your own clinical caseload to stay connected to daily practice and the needs of the team.
- Building lasting relationships with referring vets and representing GWE within the wider IVC Evidensia network.
- Identifying opportunities to grow and enhance our service, using the collective strength of the referral network to make it happen.
What we need from you...
- RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon (or eligible).
- Significant experience in avian and exotic medicine, ideally with advanced qualifications (CertAVP, DipECZM, or equivalent).
- A supportive, inclusive leadership style that puts people first.
- A desire to share knowledge, nurture talent, and work collaboratively.
- Enthusiasm for contributing to the IVC Evidensia community and making the most of the opportunities it provides.
A network behind you, every step of the way
- One of the UK’s top exotics referral centres with a varied, fascinating caseload.
- A skilled, friendly, and dedicated team who support each other every step of the way.
- The backing of the IVC Evidensia Referral Network for collaboration, professional development, and innovation.
- Opportunities to speak at national and international CPD events and contribute to research.
- A workplace culture where curiosity, compassion, and teamwork come first.
Because our people matter
We invest in your wellbeing, development, and work-life balance. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will receive:
- 7 weeks annual leave Including bank holidays
- Your birthday as a paid day off
- Competitive CPD Package
- Private Medical Insurance
- Professional membership fees paid
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Discounted pet care
- Access to a range of employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives through our benefits portal
- Relocation support if needed
How to Apply
If you’re ready to lead a passionate team in one of the UK’s most fascinating areas of veterinary medicine — with the support of a national referral network behind you — we’d love to hear from you.
Please email your CV and covering letter to jay.hamill@ivcevidensia.com
Clinical Director - Exotics in Swindon employer: Great Western Exotics
At Great Western Exotics, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK's leading avian and exotic animal veterinary hospitals, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that fosters professional growth and development. Our team enjoys a diverse caseload, access to extensive resources through the IVC Evidensia Referral Network, and a culture that prioritises curiosity, compassion, and teamwork. With generous benefits including 7 weeks of annual leave, competitive CPD packages, and a focus on employee wellbeing, we are committed to making your career both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Director - Exotics in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the avian and exotic veterinary field. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the culture at Great Western Exotics.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in exotic animal medicine. Being knowledgeable about current trends and practices will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Great Western Exotics. Think about specific examples where you've successfully led a team or mentored others, as this will be crucial for the Clinical Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the IVC Evidensia network and its initiatives. Understanding their collaborative approach and how you can contribute to their community will show your enthusiasm for being part of a larger team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Director - Exotics in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in avian and exotic medicine. Include any advanced qualifications you have, such as CertAVP or DipECZM, and emphasise your leadership skills and mentoring experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for exotic animal care and your vision for leading a team. Mention specific examples of how you've supported staff development and improved patient care in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Clearly articulate your leadership style in both your CV and cover letter. Highlight how you prioritise teamwork, communication, and continual improvement, and provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a clinical director role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Western Exotics
✨Show Your Passion for Exotic Animals
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with avian and exotic species. Share specific experiences that highlight your dedication and knowledge in this area, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Clinical Director, you'll need to showcase your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored colleagues, or improved patient care standards in previous roles.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experiences
Since the role involves working within a network, discuss any past experiences where you collaborated with other veterinary professionals or departments. This will show your ability to work as part of a larger team.
✨Prepare Questions About the Practice
Come equipped with thoughtful questions about Great Western Exotics and its future direction. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the practice and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
