Strategic Veterinary Lead – Scotland

Government Recruitment Service; Kilwinning; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident

Job summary

The Veterinary Lead Scotland role, advertised by Government Recruitment Service, is a senior strategic position within APHA. It leads geographically dispersed teams during outbreaks and emergencies, providing clear direction and aligning with Scottish Government animal health and welfare policies while cultivating a positive, sustainable culture.

The postholder will influence policy at national levels, oversee governance across settings, and represent APHA at strategic boards and forums,

Qualifications

• Senior strategic leadership experience in veterinary field or animal health.
• Ability to influence policy and decision-making at senior levels.
• Experience leading dispersed teams in crisis or outbreak settings.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise veterinary and technical activities to the highest standards, per policy outcomes and SOPs.
• Lead with HoFDs to address performance and quality, using risk management and budget controls.
• Make high-impact veterinary decisions with risk assessments based on the best available evidence.
• Build relationships with local senior stakeholders to influence end-user behaviour on policy.
• Monitor and assure consistency of quality and safety standards of Veterinary Development Partnership contractors.
• Deliver the APHA vision to staff and contribute to agency leadership.
• Contribute to national policy initiatives, reforms, and participation in boards and working groups.
• Support staff development, training initiatives and succession planning.
• Line manage a team of Veterinary Advisors.

Job description

The Veterinary Lead Scotland role, advertised by Government Recruitment Service, is a senior strategic position within APHA. It leads geographically dispersed teams during outbreaks and emergencies, providing clear direction and aligning with Scottish Government animal health and welfare policies while cultivating a positive, sustainable culture.

The postholder will influence policy at national levels, oversee governance across settings, and represent APHA at strategic boards and forums,