Regional Head of Laboratories (southwest) – Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG)

British Society of Veterinary Pathology; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Discount platform

25 days annual leave

Enhanced absences

Learning & Development opportunities

Dog friendly offices

Job summary

The British Society of Veterinary Pathology is actively seeking a Regional Head of Laboratories based in Exeter. This permanent full-time position demands strategic leadership in veterinary diagnostics. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, driving quality and performance, and managing laboratory teams across multiple locations. Essential qualifications include a Master's Degree in Life Science and significant experience in laboratory management. A competitive annual salary ranges from £60,000 to £65,000, with benefits such as life assurance and learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• Masters Degree or equivalent qualification or experience (preferably in a Life Science).
• Experience in veterinary Biochemistry and Haematology analysis.
• Significant experience managing or supervising a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Excellent IT skills, familiar with Microsoft Office and LIMS systems.
• Experience in leading and developing a change programme.
• Experience in client-facing meetings and presentations with negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication ability.
• Excellent prioritising, time management and organisational skills.
• Clean driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across regional laboratories.
• Drive sustainable growth in line with group strategy.
• Oversee laboratory quality, QA/QC and reporting turnaround times.
• Build strong client relationships and address issues professionally.
• Recruit, develop and appraise staff.

Skills

Veterinary Biochemistry and Haematology analysis

Excellent IT skills

Client-facing meetings and presentations

Interpersonal skills

Prioritising and time management

Education

Masters Degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

LIMS systems

Job description

Regional Head of Laboratories (southwest) – Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG)

Location: On site at our Exeter laboratory, UK with frequent travel to Ringwood and other sites as required. Job type: Permanent / Full-time; 40 hours a week. Annual Salary Range: from £60,000.00 to £65,000.00.

The Role

As Regional Head of Laboratories, you will play a key role in the leadership team, helping shape and deliver the VPG strategy while leading and developing high‑performing laboratory teams across the region.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership across regional laboratories, ensuring delivery against financial, quality and performance targets. Drive sustainable growth in line with group strategy, leading complex projects and change initiatives while maintaining high staff engagement. Oversee laboratory quality, QA/QC and reporting turnaround times, ensure full compliance with health, safety and quality policies, and manage resources effectively. Build strong client relationships, address issues professionally, and represent the business at industry events. Recruit, develop and appraise staff, supporting succession planning and collaboration across the wider VPG network.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Discount platform (supermarkets, high street, cinema & travel)
• 25 days annual leave (28 days after 3 years of service)
• Enhanced absences (sickness and parental)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Dog friendly offices

Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities

Essential

• Masters Degree or equivalent qualification or experience (preferably in a Life Science)
• Experience in veterinary Biochemistry and Haematology analysis
• Significant experience managing or supervising a veterinary diagnostic laboratory
• Excellent IT skills, familiar with Microsoft office and LIMS systems
• Experience in leading, developing and delivering a change programme whilst improving employee engagement
• Experience in client‑facing meetings and presentations with excellent negotiation and influencing skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and employees at all levels
• Excellent prioritising, time management and organisational skills
• Clean driving licence

Desirable

• Extensive knowledge of the Veterinary community and client base
• Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in business development and management