Director, Professional Vet Affairs

Colgate; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Professional Vet Affairs to lead the execution of its global veterinary strategy. This role involves significant travel and the opportunity to work closely with veterinary professionals to enhance relationships and drive growth. You will be responsible for managing a dedicated team, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and overseeing educational programs. Join a caring and innovative company that values diversity and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners. If you are passionate about veterinary medicine and leadership, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine required.
• 4+ years in veterinary practice and 3+ years in team management.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of Global PVA strategy to drive growth.
• Oversee coaching and development of the Canadian PVA team.
• Manage country PVA budget and ensure compliance.

Skills

Veterinary Medicine

Team Leadership

Business Management

Networking in Veterinary Community

Knowledge of Pet Food Business

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Medicine

MBA or Similar Business Experience

Job description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet and Science Diet. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Job Title: Director, Professional Vet Affairs

Travel Required?: Travel - 75% of time or more

Date: 17 Apr 2025

Hybrid

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number#166620 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Company Mission: To help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets
PVA Mission: To help enrich and strengthen the long-term relationships between Hill’s and veterinary professionals, current and future.

Job Summary:

Translates the company’s and the PVA vision and mission by executing the strategy provided by Global Professional Veterinary Affairs to deliver Hill’s programs focused on all parts of the veterinary profession (schools, students, KTLs, practicing veterinarians -general and specialist and their teams, trade & professional associations, RVTs, as well as internal audiences), leverages these programs to drive growth in the Canadian commercial organization, and accomplishes the yearly KPI/goals set by the division and the country’s GM, leading to:

• Strong, positive, professional impression of the Hill’s company, its people, products and services
• Continued scientific leadership of Hill’s in Canada
• Leadership in active veterinary team endorsement through world-class KTL and customer relationship management
• Continued market share and top and bottom line growth
• Well informed and educated senior leadership team and local expanded commercial team
• Focused, well coached and developed local PCV (Professional Consulting Veterinarians) team across the local market

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Localize and lead execution of the Global PVA strategy to drive growth and veterinary recommendation. Lead the PVA team to drive growth and recommendations via education & engagement with key stakeholders including:
• Veterinary healthcare team (VCHT) members in clinical practice (DVMs, RVTs and support staff)
• Key Thought Leaders (KTLs)
• Veterinary corporate groups
• Veterinary and RVT students
• Recent graduates
• Professional associations and trade associations and more
• Ensure execution through ongoing coaching and development of the Canadian PVA team to deliver against the established goals of the Company. Direct report staff includes all Canadian PCV’s, as well as Associate PVA Manager (APVAM) and Professional Strategic Initiatives Manager (PSIM). Provide clear priorities and direction to the Canada PVA team to ensure focus and execution.
• As a member of the Canadian Leadership team, represent the profession by providing insight and leadership as required on topics related to nutrition, the veterinary profession, local regulatory topics etc.
• Ensures that all Hill’s contacts and communications to customers and consumers consistently meet the professional, ethical and regulatory standards demanded by the veterinary community and the corporation (CP Code of Conduct, FCPA, anti-bribery, pet food regulations).
• Technical & Scientific Affairs: Oversee and support (in collaboration with the Associate PVA Manager) keeping country technical product data and the technical competencies of the sales force updated, technical (internal and external) training, education (both technical and practice/business development and communication), seminars, and Congresses and approval of all technical marketing and sales materials. Is responsible for coordinating the country's technical helpline.
• Academic & Professional Affairs: Adapt (localize) and oversee the execution of the global PVA strategy for veterinary and RVT schools, feeding programs, country professional associations, Key Thought Leaders (KTL) and specialists in private practice.
• Continuing Professional Development: Oversee and lead (in collaboration with the APVAM and PSIM) the roll out and execution of all available (on-line and in person) educational materials and programs in support of the Canadian business & professional engagement strategy.
• Localize the Global professional digital strategy and ensure execution in collaboration with the PSIM, leading to full implementation of all professional digital initiatives and increasing digital engagement with the veterinary profession.
• Closely manages the country PVA budget, ensuring compliance with policies & procedures. Contributes to the broader PVA team (sharing best practices, timely KPI reporting, etc.). Ensures close cooperation with and integration of PVA activities into the commercial (marketing, customer development) organization. Liaison with Global PVA to ensure uptake of best practices, strategy and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in veterinary medicine (DVM)
• Valid North American Veterinarian License
• 4+ years experience in a veterinary practice (or a similar job)
• 3+ years of experience with leading teams/people management
• Has built a reasonable network in the veterinary community, including the local Small Animal Veterinary Association, and country specialist societies
• Knowledge of the pet food business
• Business and practice management experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA, similar business experience
• French language (written and oral)
• Experience in Hill’s or other veterinary industry organization

Expected percentage of travel: Up to 75%

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Achieving our purpose starts with our people — ensuring our workforce represents the people and communities we serve —and creating an environment where our people feel they belong; where we can be our authentic selves, feel treated with respect and have the support of leadership to impact the business in a meaningful way.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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