At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering top-notch veterinary care and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Ashfield Vets, a modern practice with a focus on high-quality patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous CPD allowances, health plans, and up to 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and supports wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon or strategic leader with a passion for mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 € per year.
We are seeking a Clinical Director or Practice Director to join us on a fixed-term contract. This key leadership role will drive high-quality, patient-centred care while supporting operational performance and continuous service improvement. Rota Full time 40 hours a week. If you are seeking part time hours, please contact us to discuss options.
About the Practice
Become part of our journey at our recently relocated site, ideally located with easy access to both historic Durham City and the vibrant city of Newcastle. Our practice is purpose built for high quality care, featuring three consultation rooms plus a dedicated nurse/cat consultation room, separate cat and dog waiting areas, an in‑house pharmacy, and a state‑of‑the‑art prep room and theatre. We also offer onsite parking with an electric car charging point. You will be supported by an experienced team of two vets, four RVNs plus a PCA, SVN, reception team, and a Practice Manager who all contribute to smooth day‑to‑day running. Our RVN team are proactive with Schedule 3 and enthusiastic about running clinics, alongside nurse consults, they deliver geriatric and weight clinics. Teamwork is central to how we work. We discuss cases frequently to achieve the best outcomes, and we maintain a friendly, caring, well‑organised environment.
About You
We are seeking to appoint either a Clinical Director or a Practice Director, offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our team in a pivotal role. As a Clinical Director, you will be an experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon, providing strong clinical and people leadership. You will lead on clinical excellence, oversee complex cases, and ensure best practice in line with RCVS and Clinical Governance standards. Passionate about developing others, you will mentor and support your team while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and delivering outstanding patient and client care. Alternatively, as a Practice Director, you will be a commercially focused and strategic leader responsible for the overall operational and financial performance of the practice. Working closely with the Regional Director, you will drive business performance, optimise resources, and support sustainable growth. You will lead and engage teams, champion development, and ensure alignment with company values while enhancing both client and colleague experience.
Our Leadership Values
- Inclusivity – Valuing diverse perspectives and bringing out the best in everyone
- Collaboration – Encouraging open communication and addressing challenges early
- Accountability – Supporting honest conversations through regular feedback
- Role Modelling – Leading with integrity and consistency
- Empathy – Supporting wellbeing while driving high performance
Benefits
- RCVS & VDS fees paid in full
- Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams, and study leave covered
- Up to 33 days holiday (with option to buy/sell)
- CVS Pension Scheme
- Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
- Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies
- Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food and medications
Interested? Please click Apply Now, upload your CV and we’ll be in touch. For further details or an informal chat, please contact Jim in the recruitment team at jim.mcdowell-massar@cvsvets.com.
Join us at CVS
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to do their best work. We foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, where diverse perspectives are invited and people feel safe to speak up. Wellbeing support is always available, from monthly line‑manager check‑ins to our network of 400 Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets and personal mentors. We offer leading benefits and policies, such as our Health Shield which provides support for physical and mental health. Our aim is to free up clinical colleagues to do what they do best, so we offer practices a wide range of operational support. Central expert HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, procurement teams are on hand to support with all aspects relating to the smooth running of each practice. We prioritise investment in our facilities, delivering significant enhancements across numerous practices through a dedicated multi‑million‑pound improvement fund.
Clinical Director or Practice Director in North East employer: Southdown Veterinary Group
At Ashfield Vets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises both professional development and employee wellbeing. Our purpose-built practice in Annfield Plain provides state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team, ensuring you can deliver high-quality, patient-centred care while enjoying generous benefits such as funded postgraduate qualifications and a comprehensive health cash plan. Join us to be part of a community that values inclusivity, accountability, and continuous improvement, all within easy reach of the vibrant cities of Durham and Newcastle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Director or Practice Director in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the practice thoroughly. Know their values, recent achievements, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role of Clinical Director or Practice Director. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Director or Practice Director in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Clinical Director or Practice Director. Highlight your leadership experience, clinical expertise, and any relevant achievements that align with our values at Ashfield Vets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for veterinary care, your approach to team leadership, and how you plan to drive high-quality patient-centred care in our practice.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since teamwork is central to how we operate, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. We want to see how you foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ashfield Vets.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and leadership skills. Familiarise yourself with the latest veterinary practices and standards, especially those related to RCVS and Clinical Governance. This will show that you're not just a great leader but also a knowledgeable vet who can oversee complex cases.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is central to the practice, be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've mentored team members or improved team dynamics. This will highlight your ability to lead and engage teams effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
Take some time to understand the practice's leadership values: inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, role modelling, and empathy. Prepare to give examples from your experience that demonstrate how you embody these values. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's goals, challenges, and culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it opens up a dialogue that can make the interview feel more like a conversation.
