Clinical Director - Equine

VC Evidensia UK; Inverness; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.8 weeks’ holiday

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave policies

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Retail discounts

Job summary

VC Evidensia UK seeks a Clinical Director for Kessock Equine Vets in Inverness, a leading equine-only practice in the Highlands. This unique leadership opportunity entails shaping clinical standards and mentoring a committed team in an inspiring environment.

The successful candidate will lead clinical direction, ensure high-quality patient care, and drive the practice's growth and sustainability. With a competitive salary of up to £80,000 and attractive benefits, this role offers an excellent work-life balance in a beautiful location.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as an equine veterinary surgeon.
• Proven experience in a senior clinical or leadership role.
• Strong financial and business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical governance and standards across the practice.
• Mentor and support the veterinary team.
• Drive service development and strategic growth.

Skills

Equine veterinary surgery

Leadership and team development

Financial business awareness

Clinical governance experience

Excellent communication skills

Education

Advanced veterinary qualifications (e.g. CertAVP)

Job description

Clinical Director – Equine Only Practice (Highlands) Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 & Welcome bonus up to £5,000

This is not just a leadership appointment. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of equine veterinary care in one of the most unique regions in the UK.

At Inspiring Vet Care, our purpose is simple: healthier animals, happier owners. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we’re trusted with the care of over 2 million animals—but it’s our local teams, like Kessock Equine Vets, who bring that purpose to life every day.

A rare leadership opportunity in the Highlands

Kessock Equine Vets is the only dedicated equine practice in the Highlands—a well-established, highly respected service delivering 24/7 veterinary care to a loyal and diverse client base.

This is a practice with strong foundations, an excellent reputation, and a committed clinical team—but also significant opportunity. We are now seeking an experienced equine vet ready to step into a Clinical Director role and take genuine ownership of clinical standards, team development, and future direction.

This is a role for someone who wants more than management. It’s for a clinician who wants influence, autonomy, and the chance to leave a lasting clinical legacy.

What makes this opportunity different

• The only equine-exclusive practice in the Highlands
• A genuinely hands‑on leadership role in a small, experienced team
• A 24/7 ambulatory and emergency caseload with real clinical variety
• Significant scope to shape clinical standards, service design, and future investment
• A culture that values clinical judgement, autonomy, and trust
• A flexible balance of clinical work and leadership, shaped around you
• A lifestyle location offering space, community, and exceptional outdoor living
• Working up to 40 hours per week with 1:4.5 OOH weekends

Your role: Clinical Director

As Clinical Director (Director of Practice & Clinical Services), you will lead the clinical and strategic direction of the practice, working closely with the Practice Manager to ensure outstanding patient care, strong team culture, and sustainable growth.

This is a visible, influential position at the heart of the practice—where your decisions directly shape how the service evolves.

Key areas of responsibility

• Lead clinical governance, standards, and decision‑making across the practice
• Shape and develop clinical protocols, patient pathways, and quality improvement initiatives
• Mentor and support a small, highly engaged veterinary team
• Work collaboratively on operational performance, workforce planning, and sustainability
• Drive service development, investment priorities, and strategic growth
• Act as a senior clinical ambassador to clients and referring practices
• Maintain clinical involvement aligned to your interests and strengths
• Participate in the out‑of‑hours rota as part of a shared team commitment

Lifestyle & location

Based in Inverness, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, this role offers a rare combination of senior clinical leadership and exceptional quality of life.

This is a location for those who value space, landscape, and outdoor living—where mountains, coastlines, and rural practice life sit side by side.

Culture

Kessock Equine Vets is built on collaboration, clinical pride, and trust. We are a small team with strong relationships, a shared commitment to high standards, and a genuine focus on doing things properly.

We are looking for a leader who wants to build on that foundation—not just manage it.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

• Significant experience as an equine veterinary surgeon, ideally with advanced qualifications (e.g. CertAVP or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior clinical or leadership role, with responsibility for team support and development
• Strong financial and business awareness, with an interest in practice performance and sustainability
• The ability to lead, engage, and motivate teams, creating a positive and high‑performing culture
• Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• A collaborative, values‑driven leadership style aligned with high clinical and client care standards

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.8 weeks’ holiday, including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BEVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets

Kessock Equine Vets

The Paddock, Drumsmittal, IV1 3ZF, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, and we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long‑term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Taylor Findlay from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.