Lead Veterinarian

Vets Central; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Visa sponsorship

Competitive salary

Lead Vet incentive

Pawesome equity

Board registration paid

Novated vehicle

Great Place to Work

EAP wellness program

Parental Leave

CPD allowance

Referral bonuses

Mental Health First Aid

Fitness passport

Job summary

Vets Central's Encounter Bay clinic is seeking a Lead Veterinarian to combine hands-on clinical work with people leadership. The role emphasizes high clinical standards, mentoring the team, and building trusted client relationships in a supportive, coastal community.

This is a 4-day-per-week position with a strong focus on consultations, surgery and hospital cases; no after-hours, no on-call, and no weekends, offering a chance to shape services and grow with the practice.

Qualifications

• BVSc or equivalent degree recognized in Australia.
• Minimum of 4 years' clinical experience (preferred).
• Experience in a senior role across GP, surgical and leadership areas is highly regarded.
• Commitment to high standards of patient and client care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the clinic team, elevating clinical standards.
• Focus on consultations, surgery and hospital cases with a strong clinical presence.
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture and build client relationships.
• Shape service expansion and partner with support offices to implement ideas.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) or equivalent degree recognized in Australia

Job description

About Us

Located in the stunning coastal community of Encounter Bay in South Australia, our busy small animal clinic is entering an exciting new phase and we're looking for someone who's ready to grow alongside us.

With some long-standing team members stepping back, this is a unique opportunity to shape the role around your strengths and interests. We're proud to serve a loyal client base within a welcoming, close-knit community just 45 minutes from Adelaide.

Our fully equipped hospital provides care for a wide range of patients, from cats and dogs to birds, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, and pocket pets. You'll be supported by a passionate, experienced team of nurses.

Not planning to relocate? Commuting is easy, with Adelaide just a 45-minute drive away.

About the Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to step into a hands-on leadership position where you can remain highly clinical while influencing the future direction of the clinic.

As Lead Veterinarian, you will mentor and guide your team, elevate clinical standards, foster a positive and collaborative culture, and build trusted relationships with clients who value your expertise.

You'll have the opportunity to truly make the role your own - expanding services, enhancing what the team can offer, and partnering with the wider support office to introduce new ideas and initiatives. At the same time, you'll be supported in developing your leadership capability within a structured and encouraging environment.

This is a 4-day-per-week role, with a strong focus on consultations, surgery and medical/hospital cases.

It's an excellent opportunity for a veterinarian who is ready to take the next step into leadership, with the flexibility to shape the position around their strengths and interests.

No after-hours. no on-call and no weekends.

About You

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) or equivalent degree recognized in Australia
• Minimum of 4 years' clinical experience (preferred)
• Experience within a senior role and across all facets of GP work, clinical, surgical, leadership/management will be highly regarded.
• Committed to delivering high standards of patient and client care
• A collaborative, approachable team player
• Passionate about professional growth and ongoing learning

What We Offer:

• Relocation/ sign-on bonus - up to $10k!
• Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance available!
• Competitive salary with annual performance reviews
• Lead Vet Incentive - earn an extra $10k per year!
• Unique bonus/equity opportunity ('You're Pawesome' Long term Incentive) - 10% cash bonus paid out at the end of three years!
• Paid Veterinary Board Registration, radiation license, and VIN membership
• Novated vehicle leasing options
• 'Great Place to Work' certified employer
• Wellness support via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Parental Leave and 'Paid Purrental Leave' for your pets
• Generous CPD allowance and paid study leaveTeam member referral bonuses
• Mental Health First Aid® accredited workplace
• Fitness passport!

Facilities & Services

• Ultrasound
• Digital X-ray suite
• Full surgical facilities
• Dentistry and dental health checks
• Emergency and critical care
• Microchipping

Special Interests & Programs

• Puppy pre-school, early socialisation, and training
• Ophthalmology and dermatology
• Pet nutrition and weight loss programs
• Senior pet care program

Encounter Bay is part of Vets Central, find out what sets us apart here: https://www.vetscentral.com.au/careers/recruitment-veterinarians/

If you're a dedicated vet looking for a change of scenery and ready to enjoy a coastal lifestyle, we'd love to hear from you!