Cytopathology Manager in Exeter

Location: Exeter

Contract: Full-time

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

Lead the Future of Veterinary Clinical Pathology

Are you an experienced, board-certified veterinary clinical pathologist looking for an opportunity to shape the future of diagnostic pathology? At Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG), part of Zoetis, we’re looking for an exceptional Cytopathology Manager to provide clinical leadership, inspire our pathology team, and drive excellence in veterinary diagnostics. This is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for diagnostic pathology with strategic leadership, helping us deliver market-leading pathology services to veterinary professionals across the UK and internationally.

As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you'll play a key role in developing our pathology services, supporting innovation, mentoring future specialists, and contributing to the long-term success of VPG and Zoetis.

About the Role

This is a varied leadership position where approximately:

• 90% of time focused on leadership, people management, strategic development, resident training and quality assurance
• 10% involvement in diagnostic pathology

You'll act as the clinical figurehead for pathology within your designated laboratory, representing VPG Zoetis internally and externally while ensuring outstanding clinical quality, operational excellence, and an exceptional client experience. Working closely with the Laboratory Director and Executive Leadership Team, you'll help shape the future direction of pathology services across the organization.

What You'll Be Doing

• Deliver high-quality diagnostic pathology services while maintaining exceptional professional standards.
• Provide expert clinical support to veterinary clients.
• Ensure pathology reporting meets agreed turnaround times and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and service delivery.
• Support the Laboratory Director in delivering an outstanding end-to-end laboratory service.
• Contribute to research, innovation, education, and business development initiatives.
• Support the training and development of Resident Pathologists.

• Providing day-to-day leadership and line management.
• Conducting annual appraisals and regular one-to-one meetings.
• Creating development plans for team members.
• Managing performance, attendance, wellbeing, and conduct.
• Leading recruitment and onboarding of new pathologists.
• Assisting Logistics with pathology rotas, holiday planning, and contractor resources.
• Leading regular pathology team meetings.
• Ensuring compliance with mandatory training and company policies.

• Help shape VPG's pathology strategy.
• Translate organizational objectives into practical action plans.
• Drive continuous improvement across pathology services.
• Support business growth through client engagement and service development.
• Lead and contribute to company-wide pathology projects.
• Build strong relationships across the organization and with external stakeholders.

About You

We're looking for an experienced clinical leader who combines outstanding diagnostic expertise with excellent people management skills. You'll bring:

• Board Certification (or equivalent recognized specialist qualification) in Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
• Significant experience in veterinary diagnostic pathology.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring clinical teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and decision-making abilities.
• A collaborative leadership style with high emotional intelligence.
• Commitment to clinical excellence and continuous professional development.
• Experience managing complex caseloads while maintaining high-quality reporting standards.
• Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.

• Previous laboratory leadership experience.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Business development or commercial experience.
• Experience contributing to research or published work.
• Experience training residents or interns.

What Success Looks Like

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Your pathology team is engaged, motivated, and performing at a high level.
• Diagnostic turnaround times consistently meet agreed service levels.
• Clinical quality remains exceptional.
• Client satisfaction remains high, with minimal complaints.
• Recruitment, retention, and development of pathologists are successful.
• Pathology resources are effectively managed.
• Business growth and laboratory performance continue to improve.
• VPG/Zoetis continues to be recognised as a leading provider of veterinary diagnostic services.

Why Join Zoetis?

At Zoetis, we are driven by a singular purpose: to nurture the world and humankind by advancing animal care. As the world’s leading animal health company, we innovate, collaborate, and make a real impact—every day.

• Innovative Science & Technology – Work with cutting-edge solutions that enhance animal health and well-being.
• Global Impact – Join a team that supports veterinarians, farmers, and pet owners worldwide.
• People-First Culture – Thrive in an environment that values diversity, growth, and work-life balance.
• Sustainability & Responsibility – Make a difference in a company committed to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Enjoy life assurance, group income protection, and a robust pension plan with a generous company contribution.
• Benefit from private medical insurance, health assessments, dental insurance, and discounted gym memberships.
• Access mortgage advice, will writing services, and a share ownership plan with matching contributions.
• Take advantage of paid annual leave to rest and recharge.
• Enjoy industry-competitive salaries, merit-based salary progression, and a global performance bonus.
• Our Employee Assistance Programme offers counselling, welfare advice, and a 24-hour confidential helpline.

Our Core Beliefs

• We invest in our people and their growth.
• Integrity and ethics guide everything we do.
• We put our customers at the heart of our business.
• We take ownership and drive results.
• Collaboration makes us stronger.

Your passion for animals and science can shape the future. Are you ready to grow with us?