Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover)

Blue Cross For Pets; London; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in veterinary care seeks a Head of Veterinary Strategy for a maternity cover role. The position entails designing sustainable veterinary service models and leading innovative projects while collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have extensive leadership experience and a strategic mindset, motivated by improving access to veterinary services.

Benefits

38 days holiday, rising to 43 with service

Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support

Free access to GP services

Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution

Continuing Professional Development support

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in designing and delivering strategic plans.
• Experience in change initiatives across complex structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformational projects across the veterinary directorate.
• Develop partnerships and oversee innovative digital solutions.
• Ensure services are future-ready and accessible.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Change implementation

Education

Qualification in business or strategy management

Tools

Programme and project management methodology

Job description

Head of Veterinary Strategy (maternity cover)

Application Deadline: 13 July 2025

Department: Veterinary Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: United Kingdom

Reporting To: Director of Veterinary Services

Compensation: £57,500 - £71,000 / year

Description

Contract: 9 - 12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)

Salary: £57,500 – £71,000 per annum

Plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance if based from our London offices.

Location: Hybrid from our London offices, with occasional travel to Blue Cross sites as required. Remote working will also be considered.

Closing date: Sunday 13 July 2025

Interview dates: See below

We’re recruiting a strategic, innovative, and commercially minded Head of Veterinary Strategy to lead the design and delivery of sustainable veterinary service models. This pivotal maternity cover role will help shape the future of affordable veterinary care at Blue Cross.

More about the role

You’ll lead transformational projects across the veterinary directorate, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to expand the reach of our services. From scoping emerging technologies and business growth opportunities to developing flexible pricing models and influencing national strategy, you’ll play a critical part in achieving our ambition to be leaders in pragmatic and efficient veterinary services.

You’ll develop strategic partnerships and oversee the implementation of innovative digital solutions, ensuring our services are future-ready and accessible to more people and pets. As a key member of the Veterinary Leadership team and wider Blue Cross Leadership team, you'll also nurture a healthy, high-performing culture across the organisation.

This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a truly purpose-led organisation, working at the intersection of animal welfare, healthcare, and innovation.

This is a full-time position, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, on a 9 to 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. The role follows a hybrid working pattern, with a minimum of two days per week in the office and the remainder working from home. Some travel to other sites will be required. We are open to considering remote working arrangements.

About you

You’re a strategic thinker with experience of leading large-scale service development in a veterinary or healthcare setting. You're confident working at pace and with autonomy, turning insight into action and engaging stakeholders at all levels to bring your vision to life.

You’re commercially astute, data-led and always thinking one step ahead – driven by a passion for improving access to veterinary care and a deep belief in our mission. With proven leadership experience, you know how to build high-performing teams and implement change across complex structures while staying grounded in compassion, courage, and inclusivity – our Blue Cross values.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Extensive leadership experience across diverse, multidisciplinary teams
• Deep understanding of large-scale service delivery in a veterinary or healthcare setting
• Experience of successfully designing and delivering strategic plans
• Experience of leading change initiatives at scale across complex organisational structures or services
• Experience of providing high level stakeholder management leading to growth through new business development opportunities
• Experience of working as part of a senior leadership or strategy team
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience at presenting to boards, public and professional audiences
• Experience of implementing new technologies or digital developments in service delivery settings
• Experience with financial modelling and pricing strategies
• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Qualification in business or strategy management
• Certified in programme and/or project management methodology (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, APMG)
• Experience in the social sector

How to apply

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 13 July 2025. The interview process will consist of two stages. The first stage will be a competency-based interview held via MS Teams, scheduled between 23 and 25 July 2025. The second stage will take place in person in London on 31 July or 1 August 2025 and will include a presentation task.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
• Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
• Health cash plan
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
• Life assurance
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Recognition scheme
• Annual volunteer days
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.