Clinical Director
Garden Vets at Keele | Staffordshire
Want a Clinical Director role where you genuinely shape how a practice works, teaches and grows? This is it.
Garden Vets at Keele is a busy small-animal practice with a significant teaching partnership with Harper & Keele Veterinary School. Located on the beautiful Keele University campus, we are the cornerstone of the School’s final-year practical teaching and welcome over 120 students a year through our 24/7 state-of-the-art hospital.
Kin Vet Community acquired the practice in July 2026 and is investing significantly in the practice infrastructure, the team and the way we care for our clients' pets. We’re building a ground-breaking business model with animal health, colleague satisfaction and financial sustainability at its heart, and we're looking for a Clinical Director to lead this next chapter alongside our Hospital Director.
What makes this role special
- Shaping the future of our health plan. With over 4,000 pets receiving wide-ranging care as part of our subscription model, our health plan underpins how we look after our patients, and we're developing the next generation of it. You'll bring the clinical lead: what great preventive, reactive and emergency care looks like, how we support pets with ongoing conditions, and how the plan delivers real value for clients. It's a rare chance to put your stamp on a model of care that most clinical leaders only ever inherit.
- Teaching at the heart of the practice. Our partnership with Harper & Keele Vet School is central to our operation, both commercially and clinically. We are measured on the the quality of the student experience and are proud of the graduates we help to shape. Working alongside the Vet School, you'll lead on how teaching is integrated into a commercial hospital setting: giving students real hands-on responsibility and keep the practice a safe, supportive place to learn. If you want a hand in shaping the future of the profession, few roles let you do it every day.
- Setting the clinical standard. You'll lead clinical governance, audit and protocols, with the freedom to define how we practise. You’ll line manage our team of fantastic vets, support them clinically and professionally and encourage a culture of continual professional development at all stages of the veterinary career, including VetGDP.
- Operational Performance and Collaborative Leadership. Work in partnership with the Head of Nursing and Hospital Director to drive clinical excellence, team engagement and operational performance. Monitor clinical and financial KPIs, including income, expenditure, average transaction values, missed charges and resource utilisation, supporting the team to deliver clinically appropriate, financially sustainable care across existing PAYG and healthcare plans, while contributing to the development of future subscription models.
- Clinical Leadership, Governance and Team Development. Work collaboratively with the Head of Nursing and Hospital Director to coordinate daily clinical operations, manage veterinary rotas and staffing, and ensure effective patient flow and continuity of care across core and non-core services. Lead veterinary team development through onboarding, performance reviews, coaching, training, and regular team meetings, while overseeing clinical governance, significant event reviews, audits, complaints and continuous improvement. Growing the team. With investment in people and modern practice systems, you'll help recruit and develop a team that's proud of the care it delivers.
The practice:
This practice is a growing practice with a unique subscription service, whilst also shaping the future of veterinary students Sharing campus with an innovative University Excellent, state of the art facilities including: 9 consult rooms 6 theatres Amazing imaging kit (digital X-ray, endoscopy suite, ultrasound, CT) In-house lab Teaching/student space
About you
- An RCVS-registered small-animal vet with significant experience and the clinical credibility to lead others.
- Enthusiastic about teaching, whether that's students, graduates or experienced colleagues.
- Comfortable with numbers and commercially minded, without ever losing sight of welfare.
- Ambitious for the practice, and someone who enjoys shaping how things are done rather than just keeping them ticking over.
- Previous Clinical Director, Head Vet, VetGDP Adviser or clinical governance experience is a bonus.
What we offer
- Upto £95k DOE Purpose-built, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital.
- Advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities.
- Interesting and varied caseload.
- Opportunity to mentor and develop veterinary students.
- Supportive multidisciplinary team.
- Genuine opportunities for career progression as our hospital continues to grow.
- Excellent location on the Keele University campus with great transport links.
Want to talk it through first? We'd welcome an informal, confidential conversation with Dr Matt Haslam, Regional Director or Charlotte Lea-Atkin, Hospital Director.
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Clinical Director - Garden Vets employer: Kin Vet Community
Pet Care Vets in Erith is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work environment, making it an ideal place for Veterinary Surgeons looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. With flexible working hours and a commitment to high standards of patient care, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities alongside a dedicated team. The practice fosters a culture of continuous learning and teamwork, ensuring that every member feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Director - Garden Vets
✨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 Kin Vet Community 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 Kin Vet Community
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Kin Vet Community. 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 Kin Vet Community.
✨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 Kin Vet Community.
✨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 Kin Vet Community.
