Director of Practice

Lever, Inc.; Ayr; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Retail discounts

Job summary

Thistle Equine Vets is seeking a Director of Practice to oversee operations, commercial performance, and people across multiple sites in Scotland. You will set strategy with clinical leadership, drive growth, and ensure high standards of care and client experience.

Travel between sites may be required, with a strong emphasis on leadership and operational excellence. The role demands senior leadership experience, financial acumen, and a track record of transforming practices.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience with accountability for operational and commercial performance.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and P&L oversight.
• Strong financial management and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational, commercial and financial performance of multiple practices.
• Drive growth through strategic planning and effective performance management.
• Build and develop a high-performing multi-site team with coaching and leadership.

Skills

Senior leadership

P&L oversight

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

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.

£0 - £60,000 a year

Up to £60,000 pa DOE