Clinical Director – Equine Only Practice (Highlands)
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 & Welcome Bonus up to £5,000.
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.
This is more than a leadership appointment. It's an opportunity to shape the future of equine veterinary care in one of the UK's most unique regions.
A Rare Leadership Opportunity in the Highlands
Kessock Equine Vets is the only dedicated equine practice in the Highlands, delivering a highly respected 24/7 ambulatory and emergency service to a loyal and diverse client base.
With strong foundations, an excellent reputation and a committed clinical team, the practice is well positioned for its next chapter. We're looking for an experienced equine vet ready to step into a Clinical Director role, taking ownership of clinical standards, team development and the future direction of the practice.
This is a role for someone seeking more than management. It's an opportunity to influence strategy, lead clinical excellence and leave a lasting impact on the practice and the wider equine community.
Practice Highlights
- The only equine-exclusive practice in the Scottish Highlands
- A genuinely hands-on leadership role within a close-knit, experienced team
- Diverse ambulatory and emergency equine caseload
- Opportunity to shape clinical standards, service development and future investment
- Culture built on trust, autonomy and clinical excellence
- Flexible balance of leadership and clinical responsibilities
- Outstanding lifestyle location with access to mountains, coastline and outdoor living
How You'll Make a Difference
As Clinical Director (Director of Practice & Clinical Services), you will lead the clinical and strategic direction of the practice, working closely with the Practice Manager to deliver outstanding patient care, develop a high-performing team and support sustainable practice growth.
You'll play a highly visible leadership role, helping shape the future of the practice while maintaining an active clinical caseload aligned with your interests and expertise.
Working Pattern
- Up to 40 hours per week
- 1 in 4.5 out-of-hours weekends
Key Responsibilities
- Lead clinical governance, standards and decision-making across the practice
- 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 long-term sustainability
- Drive service development, investment priorities and strategic growth
- Act as a senior clinical ambassador for clients and referring practices
- Maintain an active clinical caseload aligned with your interests and strengths
- Participate in the shared out-of-hours rota
Lifestyle & Location
Based in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, this role offers a rare combination of senior clinical leadership and an exceptional quality of life.
If you value space, spectacular landscapes and outdoor living alongside a rewarding veterinary career, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy both.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
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 such as CertAVP or equivalent
- Proven leadership experience with responsibility for supporting and developing veterinary teams
- Strong commercial and financial awareness with an interest in practice performance and sustainability
- The ability to engage, motivate and develop high-performing teams
- Experience contributing to clinical governance, audit and continuous improvement initiatives
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- A collaborative, values-led leadership style with a commitment to exceptional patient and client care
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:
- A senior leadership position with genuine autonomy and influence over the future direction of the practice
- Clear career pathways into wider clinical and operational leadership opportunities
- Ongoing leadership development and access to the inspiring vet care Academy
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on clinical excellence, 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
- BEVA membership, VDS cover and 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 looking to shape the future of an established equine practice or take the next step in your leadership career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
£0 - £80,000 a year
Up to £80,000 DOE
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Clinical Director – Equine Only Practice (Highlands) – 04/08/26 in Inverness employer: IVC Evidensia Group
At inspiring vet care, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our team. With clear career pathways, funded learning opportunities, and a collaborative culture, our Basingstoke location offers not only a vibrant community but also easy access to beautiful countryside and urban amenities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care while enjoying a flexible work-life balance and a welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Director – Equine Only Practice (Highlands) – 04/08/26 in Inverness
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like IVC Evidensia Group often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at IVC Evidensia Group
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at IVC Evidensia Group. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at IVC Evidensia Group.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at IVC Evidensia Group.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at IVC Evidensia Group.
