At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a progressive equine surgical service, delivering high-quality procedures.
- Company: Join Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, a respected leader in equine veterinary care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.8 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and funded professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of equine surgery while mentoring the next generation of vets.
- Qualifications: Board-certified equine surgeon with strong leadership and clinical expertise.
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.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As the Director of Equine Surgery, you will lead the continued development of a busy and diverse equine surgical service, combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership. The role provides exposure to a comprehensive range of both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries in an elective and emergency setting.
Role
The hospital services a broad client base, including sports horse, Thoroughbred racing, breeding and leisure sectors, and you will play a key role in advancing both clinical standards and client service. 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
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
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
£0 - £0 a year Competitive salary DOE
Director of Equine Surgery in Newbury employer: IVC Evidensia
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, our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through funded learning opportunities, clear career pathways, and a supportive environment that values innovation and continuous improvement. Employees enjoy generous benefits including extensive holiday, private medical insurance, and a focus on work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate veterinary professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Equine Surgery in Newbury
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Equine Surgery in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Director of Equine Surgery at IVC Evidensia, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Director of Equine Surgery at IVC Evidensia. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like IVC Evidensia will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at IVC Evidensia
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
