Veterinary Director — Emergency Care Leader

Animal Referral Hospital; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Emergency Centre (AEC) Frankston is seeking an experienced Veterinary Director to lead our emergency hospital into its next chapter, balancing clinical excellence with strategic oversight. This pivotal role reports to the Business Manager, supported by a nursing and veterinary team, and aims to strengthen referral relationships, drive performance, and foster a positive, high-performing culture.

You will lead clinical governance, set protocols, mentor staff, and work with senior leadership

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree registrable in Australia.
• Experience in emergency and/or referral practice.
• Demonstrated leadership within a veterinary setting.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness with understanding of KPIs and operational drivers.

Responsibilities

• Clinical & patient care leadership: Practising high-quality emergency medicine and surgery; governance, audit and safety frameworks; develop protocols; promote evidence-based medicine and continuing education.
• Practice culture & leadership: Build a positive, accountable, high-performance culture; model values; provide strategic direction; drive continuous improvement.
• Referring veterinarian relationships: Act as clinical liaison; ensure timely, professional communication; participate in education and engagement activities.
• People & performance management: Recruitment, onboarding, mentoring; conduct one-on-ones and PDRs; support wellbeing and address concerns; workforce planning.
• Financial, operational & strategic leadership: Monitor KPIs; assist budgeting; rostering oversight; lead clinic-level strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Emergency medicine

Governance

Communication

Team mentoring

Strategic planning

Education

Veterinary degree (AU registrable)

Job description

Animal Emergency Centre (AEC) Frankston is seeking an experienced Veterinary Director to lead our emergency hospital into its next chapter, balancing clinical excellence with strategic oversight. This pivotal role reports to the Business Manager, supported by a nursing and veterinary team, and aims to strengthen referral relationships, drive performance, and foster a positive, high-performing culture.

You will lead clinical governance, set protocols, mentor staff, and work with senior leadership