At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic veterinary team while providing top-notch care for animals.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider, dedicated to healthier animals and happier owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive culture focused on career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal care while shaping the future of veterinary services.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree with RCVS registration and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £3,000 plus Relocation Allowance up to £3,000.
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.
Here at Academy Vets, we are looking for a Director of Practice & Clinical Services to join our team. We are a busy mixed practice in the Southwest of Scotland. Although this role would suit either a Small Animal or Farm vet it is truly mixed with no two days the same from dairy fertility, small animal consulting and surgery to health planning, fertility testing and horses, we have it all! Not to mention the strong leadership qualities this role will require to lead & support this highly driven team.
Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, that’s why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle no matter what stage you are in your career. The rota includes working 5 days per week from 8:30am-6:00pm with an hour lunch break. We have a weekend rota and provide our own out of hours currently.
As a RCVS accredited farm and small animal general practice, we have the facilities you would expect. We have the latest small animal and large animal ultrasound, bull and tup fertility kit, digital radiography and Idexx suite.
Galloway has lots to offer for the outdoors enthusiast and our Vets enjoy the local beaches for paddleboarding and the Southern Uplands for walking and camping. Our main practice is in Stranraer with a branch in Newton Stewart. We have a superb team of 9 Vets, 4 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 3 Auxiliary Nurses, 4 Receptionists and a Practice Manager.
This role offers the best of both worlds. Around 80% of your time will be spent in practice, working across a varied and rewarding caseload, from consults to surgery. Alongside this, you will play a key leadership role, supporting and developing your colleagues, guiding clinical discussions and helping to build confidence in less experienced vets and new graduates.
You’ll also have the opportunity to influence how the practice grows and evolves, contributing to clinical standards, continuous improvement and a strong, collaborative culture across two busy sites. You’ll set and execute the strategic direction of the practices, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the delivery of high standards across operations, client experience and business performance. This role plays a critical part in shaping culture, driving results and supporting sustainable growth.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As Director of Practice & Clinical Services, you will provide senior clinical leadership across a large practice, hospital, or group of services, setting and delivering the clinical vision in line with inspiring vet care’s strategy, standards, and values. You’ll oversee clinical governance, quality improvement, and performance across services, working closely with senior operational leaders to drive excellent patient outcomes, sustainable service delivery, and a strong clinical culture. This role combines strategic leadership with accountability for clinical standards, people development, and continuous improvement.
Working Pattern
- Full time 40 hours per week
- 1 in 4 Saturdays
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:
- A Veterinary degree with RCVS registration and significant senior clinical experience
- Proven leadership experience within a complex veterinary or healthcare setting
- Strong expertise in clinical governance, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance
- The ability to set and deliver a clinical vision while leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
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:
- 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
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Small Animal - Clinical Director in Stranraer employer: Ivc
Ivc is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and forward-thinking work culture at the Abbey Vet Clinic in Montrose. With flexible hours and a commitment to career growth, employees can enjoy clinical freedom while managing a varied caseload in a well-equipped practice near the stunning Angus coastline. We prioritise individual development and invest in our team's future, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal - Clinical Director in Stranraer
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Ivc!
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We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal - Clinical Director in Stranraer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Small Animal - Clinical Director at Ivc, 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 Small Animal - Clinical Director at Ivc. 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 will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨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.
