At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated equine practice, shaping clinical standards and mentoring a passionate team.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation allowance, welcome bonus, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Flexible work-life balance with opportunities for professional growth and outdoor adventures.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on equine veterinary care while enjoying an exceptional Highland lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Senior equine vet with leadership experience and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 & Welcome bonus up to £5,000.
Full Time / Part Time
Lead the only dedicated equine practice in the Scottish Highlands, shaping clinical standards, mentoring an experienced team, and influencing the future of a respected 24/7 service – all while enjoying an exceptional Highland lifestyle. Combine leadership, autonomy and outstanding equine medicine in a rare opportunity.
About us
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we’re trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Kessock Equine Vets is the only dedicated equine practice in the Highlands—a well-established, highly respected service delivering 24/7 veterinary care to a loyal and diverse client base. This practice has strong foundations, an excellent reputation, and a committed clinical team – but also significant opportunity. Kessock Equine Vets is built on collaboration, clinical pride, and trust. We are a small team with strong relationships, a shared commitment to high standards, and a genuine focus on doing things properly.
We are now seeking an experienced equine vet ready to step into a Senior Veterinarian or Clinical Director role and take genuine ownership of clinical standards, team development and future direction.
About this role
This is not just a leadership appointment. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of equine veterinary care in one of the most unique regions in the UK. You will lead the clinical and strategic direction of the practice, working closely with the Practice Manager to ensure outstanding patient care, strong team culture, and sustainable growth. This is a visible, influential position at the heart of the practice where your decisions directly shape how the service evolves.
What makes this opportunity different:
- The only equine-exclusive practice in the Highlands
- A genuinely hands‑on leadership role in a small, experienced team
- A 24/7 ambulatory and emergency caseload with real clinical variety
- Significant scope to shape clinical standards, service design, and future investment
- A culture that values clinical judgement, autonomy and trust
- A flexible balance of clinical work and leadership, shaped around you
- A lifestyle location offering space, community and exceptional outdoor living
- Working up to 40 hours per week with 1:4.5 out‑of‑hours weekends
Key areas of responsibility:
- Lead clinical governance, standards and decision‑making across the practice
- Shape and develop clinical protocols, patient pathways and quality improvement initiatives
- Mentor and support a small, highly engaged veterinary team
- Work collaboratively on operational performance, workforce planning and sustainability
- Drive service development, investment priorities and strategic growth
- Act as a senior clinical ambassador to clients and referring practices
- Maintain clinical involvement aligned to your interests and strengths
- Participate in the out‑of‑hours rota as part of a shared team commitment
About you
You are a senior clinical leader with strong equine expertise, commercial awareness and a passion for developing people and services. You’ll bring:
- Significant experience as an equine veterinary surgeon, ideally with advanced qualifications (e.g. CertAVP or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior clinical or leadership role, with responsibility for team support and development
- Strong financial and business awareness, with an interest in practice performance and sustainability
- The ability to lead, engage and motivate teams, creating a positive and high‑performing culture
- Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits and continuous improvement initiatives
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- A collaborative, values‑driven leadership style aligned with high clinical and client care standards
Based in Inverness, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, this role offers a rare combination of senior clinical leadership and exceptional quality of life.
Our offer:
- Salary up to £80,000 DOE
- Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
- Welcome bonus up to £5,000
- 6.8 weeks’ holiday, including bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BEVA 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
