At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic veterinary practice, ensuring clinical excellence and operational success.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider, dedicated to healthier animals and happier owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.8 weeks' holiday, private medical insurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible full-time role with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary care while shaping a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary leader with strong operational and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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. Donnington Grove Veterinary Group is looking for an experienced and dynamic Director of Practice to lead our established, multi-disciplinary veterinary business in Newbury. As part of Inspiring Vet Care, we are a progressive and ambitious group, committed to clinical excellence, exceptional client relationships and creating a collaborative, high‐performing culture where our teams can thrive.
We operate across three sites, delivering outstanding care through our Small Animal Hospital, Equine Hospital and ambulatory services. In addition, we have a well‐established on‐site laboratory service, led by our Head of Laboratory Services, which continues to grow in both scope and reputation. Supporting local practices as well as the wider IVC equine network, the laboratory plays a key role in both clinical delivery and the ongoing commercial development of the business. This is a full‐time role but we are flexible for the right candidate.
How You'll Make a Difference
As Director of Practice, you will have overall accountability for the performance, strategy and culture of the Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, balancing clinical excellence with strong operational and commercial outcomes. You'll lead both clinical and non‐clinical teams, set the strategic direction of the group, and ensure the delivery of outstanding patient and client care alongside sustainable business performance. Working closely with the Directors of the Equine departments, the Small Animal Director of Practice and Clinical Services and the Head of Laboratory Services, you'll drive continuous improvement across clinical standards, people development, financial performance and ways of working.
Key Responsibilities
- Full accountability for operational and financial performance across all sites and service lines
- Leadership of Small Animal, Equine and Laboratory services, ensuring alignment and integration
- Driving clinical standards and service delivery in partnership with senior clinical leadership
- Supporting the laboratory with its continued growth and contribution to the wider business
- Leading a robust people strategy, including recruitment, retention, engagement and performance management
- Embedding a strong HR framework, ensuring best practice across employee relations, wellbeing and organisational development
- Ensuring compliance with RCVS standards and regulatory requirements
- Supporting and delivering business growth, efficiency and change initiatives
- Fostering a positive, inclusive and high‐performing culture across all teams
The Director of Practice will play a central role in the implementation of inspiring vet care's strategy and objectives, ensuring the practice delivers exceptional care while maintaining a sustainable and high‐performing business. This is a multi‐site, multi‐disciplinary leadership role, requiring a visible, engaged and commercially aware leader.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
- You are a highly experienced veterinary leader with strong clinical credibility and proven operational and strategic leadership capability.
- Proven leadership experience with accountability for clinical, operational, and commercial performance
- Strong financial and operational understanding, including experience with business planning and P&L management
- The ability to lead, develop, and inspire multidisciplinary teams through change and growth
- Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
How We'll Support You
- Overall leadership of one or more practices or hospitals, with the autonomy to shape strategy and culture
- Senior‐level influence across clinical standards, operations, and commercial performance
- Opportunities to lead large‐scale change and drive long‐term organisational impact
- Funded learning and development, including access to inspiring vet care Academy training centres and senior leadership programmes
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider executive or group leadership roles
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
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced‐cost veterinary care for your own pets
- Up to £80,000 DOE
Practice Director in Newbury employer: Inspiring Vet Care
At Inspiring Vet Care, we prioritise our people and their development, making us an exceptional employer in the veterinary sector. Located in Newbury, our collaborative and high-performing culture fosters continuous improvement and offers extensive career growth opportunities, including access to funded learning and leadership programmes. With a commitment to clinical excellence and employee wellbeing, we provide a supportive environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on animal care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Director in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field and let them know you're on the lookout for a Practice Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At Inspiring Vet Care, they value clinical excellence and collaboration, so be ready to share how you can contribute to that environment and lead teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and driving operational performance. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led change and improved outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Inspiring Vet Care family.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Director in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Practice Director role. Highlight your leadership experience, operational expertise, and any relevant veterinary credentials to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about veterinary care and how your vision aligns with our mission at Inspiring Vet Care. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven clinical standards or improved operational performance in previous roles. We love seeing measurable impacts!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Plus, it shows us you’re keen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiring Vet Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest veterinary practices and trends, especially those relevant to multi-disciplinary environments. Familiarise yourself with the specific services offered by Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, like their Small Animal and Equine Hospitals, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director of Practice, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change or improved operational performance in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams, as this will be key to your success.
✨Understand Financials
Since the role involves accountability for financial performance, be ready to discuss your experience with P&L management and business planning. Bring examples of how you've driven financial success in past positions, and be prepared to talk about how you would approach financial challenges at Inspiring Vet Care.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Inspiring Vet Care values a positive and inclusive culture, so think about how you can contribute to that environment. Be ready to discuss your approach to employee engagement, retention, and wellbeing. Show them that you’re not just about clinical excellence but also about fostering a thriving workplace culture.
