Director of Practice

Inspiring Vet Care; Ayr; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Retail discounts and cashback

Job summary

inspiring vet care is seeking a Director of Practice for Thistle Equine Vets, overseeing operations across sites in Scotland. You will drive strategic direction, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure high standards of patient and client care while delivering sustainable growth.

The role requires senior leadership experience, strong financial acumen, and the ability to manage complex operations with a focus on wellbeing and teamwork. Relocation support may be provided.

Qualifications

• Senior leader with accountability for operational and commercial performance.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L oversight experience.
• Ability to lead, engage and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience leading through change and driving cultural initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational, commercial and financial performance of the practice(s).
• Drive growth through strategic planning and budget management.
• Build and develop a high-performing team culture with coaching and resource management.
• Ensure delivery of clinical standards, regulatory compliance and client care.
• Champion a safe, compliant, and collaborative working environment across locations.

Skills

Senior leadership

Commercial acumen

People management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Director of Practice - Thistle Equine Vets

Salary up to £65,000 DOE, Relocation allowance up to £3,000

Closing date: 7th September* Subject to change

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Exciting Opportunity to join Thistle Equine Vets Ongoing collaboration between MBM equine, The Equine Vet clinic and Avondale equine has seen the creation of Thistle Equine Vets, a first opinion service located in the west coast of Scotland. The three practices have been working closely together for some time under inspiring vet care stewardship during which time they have successfully launched a combined out of hours service and a RCVS specialistledReferral service. The new collaboration has created the need for a Director of Practice.

The three practices have been working closely together for some time under inspiring vet care stewardship during which time they have successfully launched a combined out of hours service and a RCVS specialistledReferral service. Thistle Equine provides the breadth and depth of experience horse owners need, with an ambulatory service,integrated out-of-hours service, a specialist led surgical referral service,and a highly experienced team including several equine advanced practitioners and qualified equine veterinary nurses.

Practice Highlights

• First opinion and referral lead service practice, with ambulatory care, a fully integrated out-of-hours service and a specialist-led surgical referral service
• A dedicated team of advanced equine practitioners and qualified equine veterinary nurses and support staff
• Supportive, inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven workplace with a focus on wellbeing and teamwork.
• Convenient location with excellent transport links and access to beautiful countryside

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Director of Practice , you will have overall responsibility for the operational, commercial and people performance of multiple practices, working closely with clinical leadership to deliver outstanding patient and client care.

You’ll set and execute the strategic direction of the practices, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the delivery of high standards across operations, client experience and business performance. This role plays a critical part in shaping culture, driving results and supporting sustainable growth.

Working Pattern

• Working 40 hours per week
• Across Monday - Friday
• Travel across all sites may be required

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational, commercial, and financial performance of the veterinary practice(s), working in partnership with the Clinical Directors to achieve business and clinical objectives.
• Drive business growth through strategic planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and effective management of practice performance and budgets.
• Build, engage, and develop a high-performing team culture by providing leadership, coaching, and effective resource management.
• Ensure the delivery of exceptional clinical standards, regulatory compliance, and outstanding client and patient care across all locations.
• Champion a safe, compliant, and collaborative working environment while supporting the implementation of company goals and best practices.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a senior operational leader with strong commercial acumen and a people-centred leadership approach. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role with accountability for operational and commercial performance
• Strong financial and business management capability, including experience with planning and P&L oversight
• The ability to lead, engage and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams
• Experience leading through change and driving cultural or transformational initiatives
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting you in a senior executive leadership role. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Overall leadership of a practice or hospital with the autonomy to shape strategy, culture and performance
• Senior-level influence across operations, client experience and business outcomes
• Opportunities to lead large-scale change and drive long-term organisational impact
• Ongoing learning and development to support executive and leadership growth
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

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
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Up to £60,000 pa DOE