Lead Veterinarian - Leave Cover

VetPartners; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible roster

High CPD allowance and study leave

VetPartners Training Centre access

Fitness Passport

Employee discounts across retailers

Novated leasing options

Paid parental leave

Wellbeing Gateway access

Medibank Corporate Health Cover

Job summary

VetPartners Mackay is seeking an experienced Lead Veterinarian to guide a small-animal GP team in a modern, purpose-built hospital. The role combines leadership with ongoing hands-on clinical work across medical and surgical cases.

You will mentor colleagues, drive clinical standards, and contribute to staff development and hospital growth within Mackay, Queensland, offering a flexible roster and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in small animal general practice.
• Bachelor or Doctor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent).
• Current veterinary registration in Australia.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality clinical care across medical and surgical cases.
• Lead, mentor and support the GP veterinary team.
• Act as the line manager for GP veterinarians, providing guidance and support.
• Support performance development and appraisals for GP veterinarians.
• Contribute to training and development of nursing and support staff.
• Drive clinical standards and continuous improvement across the hospital.
• Contribute to development and implementation of the hospital’s marketing plan.
• Maintain a hands-on clinical role alongside leadership responsibilities.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Clinical skills

Education

Bachelor or Doctor of Veterinary Science

Job description

Description

Lead Veterinarian – Better Pet Vets| Mackay, QLD | Small Animal

Live where others holiday – and love where you work.

Are you an experienced veterinarian ready to step into a leadership role while enjoying an incredible coastal lifestyle?

Better Pet Vets in Mackay is looking for an experienced Lead Veterinarian to join our friendly, close-knit team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident GP veterinarian who enjoys clinical work, mentoring others and contributing to the growth of a thriving practice.

Whether you're looking for professional development, a leadership opportunity, better work-life balance or a sea change, Mackay could be the perfect fit.

Why Mackay?

Mackay offers the best of both worlds – a relaxed coastal lifestyle with excellent career opportunities.

• Just 90 minutes from the stunning Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef
• A beautiful tropical climate – sunny one day, perfect the next!
• Only a 1.5-hour flight from Brisbane
• Easy access to beaches, nature, fishing and outdoor adventures

About Better Pet Vets

Our purpose-built, modern hospital is equipped with excellent facilities and supported by a passionate team of veterinarians, nurses and support staff.

We pride ourselves on providing exceptional patient and client care, maintaining high clinical standards and creating a workplace where our people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

You’ll join a collaborative team that values fun, connection, professional development and great patient outcomes.

About the Role

As Lead Veterinarian, you will play a key role in both the clinical and leadership direction of the hospital.

You will:

• Provide high-quality clinical care across medical and surgical cases
• Lead, mentor and support the GP veterinary team
• Act as the line manager for GP veterinarians, providing guidance and support
• Support performance development and appraisals for GP veterinarians
• Contribute to the training and development of our nursing and animal attendant teams
• Help drive clinical standards and continuous improvement across the hospital
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the hospital’s marketing plan
• Work closely with the wider leadership team to support the ongoing growth and success of the hospital
• Continue to enjoy a hands-on clinical role alongside your leadership responsibilities

What’s on offer?

• Competitive salary reflective of your experience and skills
• Flexible roster to support genuine work-life balance
• High CPD allowance and study leave
• Access to the VetPartners Training Centre and complimentary CPD modules
• Fitness Passport
• Flare employee discounts across 80+ retailers
• Novated leasing options
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing Gateway access
• Medibank Corporate Health Cover

About You

We’re looking for an experienced veterinarian who is ready to take the next step in their career.

You will have:

• 5+ years’ experience in small animal general practice
• A Bachelor or Doctor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent)
• Current veterinary registration in Australia
• Strong clinical skills across both medicine and surgery
• A genuine interest in mentoring, developing and supporting other veterinarians
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• A collaborative approach and a passion for delivering exceptional patient and client care

Previous leadership experience is highly regarded, but we’re also open to experienced veterinarians who are ready to step into their first formal leadership position.

Ready for your next adventure?

Whether you're looking for a new leadership challenge, a lifestyle change, professional growth or a move to beautiful North Queensland, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’re looking for a clinic that values teamwork, professional growth, and a positive workplace culture, we’d love to hear from you.