Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team ensuring compliance with veterinary medicine regulations and enforce necessary actions.
- Company: Join the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, a key player in animal health regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in enforcement, strong leadership, and decision-making abilities required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 86800 £ per year.
Salary: £62,000 + 25 days Annual Leave + Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
Job Reference: 445679
Location: Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3LS
The closing date for applications is 23 March 2026.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines in the UK. We have a vacancy for the Head of Enforcement Section.
As the Head of the Enforcement Section, you will be responsible for leading a team of enforcement officers dealing with breaches of the regulations. A key skill will be in ensuring the team takes proportionate action depending on the type of breach that may have been committed. We aim to work with stakeholders when possible to address issues and concerns. However, stronger and more formal enforcement action will be necessary in some cases. It is important to be able to identify when that may be required, and empower the team to take that action. The role also requires the person to spend a small amount of time away from home on occasions when enforcement action may be required in another part of the country.
Veterinary medicines regulation has undergone a period of significant change due to the introduction of updated legislation in Great Britain in 2024.
Licences: Full Driving Licence
The emphasis for this role is on experience in an enforcement setting, leadership skills of enforcement officers and decision making. We are looking for you to have experience of/in:
- Conducting enforcement activities in a regulatory setting
- Leading a team and ensuring they are adaptable to change
- Delivering difficult messages with authority and persuasiveness
- Being confident when challenged over the action you or the team has taken to address a breach of regulations
- Developing strong working relationships with others
We’re looking for someone that:
- Has good leadership skills and line management experience
- Has the ability to quickly develop a sound working knowledge of a subject and/or complex issues
- Can present complex information confidently and in an engaging manner
- Is able to cope under pressure when faced with a challenging stakeholder who is querying an unpopular decision
- Is proactive, energetic and feels comfortable in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Is proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 packages, particularly Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and can learn in-house packages quickly
- Is fluent in English language (spoken and written)
How to Apply: If you're interested in applying for this position, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application via the Civil Service Jobs website, where you will find a full job description including salary details. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an Equal Opportunity employer. No Recruitment Agency, Newspaper or Publication calls please.
Head of Enforcement Section in Addlestone employer: Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Contact Detail:
Veterinary Medicines Directorate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Enforcement Section in Addlestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to enforcement and leadership. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! The job description highlights the need for flexibility in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated change and led your team through challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the VMD.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Enforcement Section in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in enforcement settings. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Enforcement Section, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and decision-making abilities!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when you're presenting complex information. Use bullet points if it helps make your case stronger!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leading a team, make sure to emphasise your line management experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and dealt with challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the Civil Service Jobs website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the details you need at your fingertips.
How to prepare for a job interview at Veterinary Medicines Directorate
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest veterinary medicines regulations, especially the changes introduced in 2024. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also proactive about staying updated in your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in an enforcement setting. Think about specific situations where you had to adapt to change or deliver difficult messages. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate your team effectively.
✨Practice Handling Challenging Situations
Anticipate tough questions or scenarios where stakeholders might challenge your decisions. Practising your responses will help you remain calm and assertive during the interview, showcasing your confidence and decision-making skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you've built strong working relationships with various stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated to resolve issues, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a dynamic environment.