Veterinary Referral Clinician - Head of Laboratory Services

Donnington Grove Veterinary Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Newbury is seeking a Head of Laboratory Services to lead their team and enhance diagnostic capabilities in a busy equine and small animal environment. Candidates should have experience in veterinary laboratories and hold an MRCVS qualification. This role offers competitive salary and excellent employee benefits including annual leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Increased holiday allowance based on service

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym membership

CPD allowance & enhanced leave

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience in leading teams is essential for team development and engagement.
• Able to develop a portfolio of tests and ensure laboratory practices are current.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Laboratory Technicians to deliver a high-quality service.
• Ensure the laboratory is up to date in terms of equipment and working practices.

Skills

Previous experience in a busy veterinary laboratory

Good communication skills

Line management experience

Education

MRCVS qualification

Board eligible/Specialist Status in Internal Medicine or Pathology

Job description

Overview

Donnington Grove Veterinary Group are welcoming applications from boarded and board-eligible Internal Medicine/Pathology clinicians to join the senior leadership team as the new Head of Laboratory Services. This is an exciting new role to grow the laboratory service both in house and to our referral practices at our Leading Equine Hospital based in Newbury, West Berkshire.

Newbury is a thriving market town with good train links to London. The Practice is based in a semi-rural location with good access to open countryside.

Be part of an exceptional team.

Role and responsibilities

We are a busy Equine and Small Animal practice running laboratory tests in key diagnostic areas including haematology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology, microbiology, serology and molecular diagnostics. The role involves leading a team of Laboratory Technicians to deliver a first‑class service to our team of 50 Veterinary Surgeons and our wider referral network. Our ambition is to grow the services that we provide and we aim to become the Laboratory of choice within the IVC Evidensia Group. The successful candidate will be involved in developing the portfolio of tests and ensuring that the Laboratory is up to date in terms of equipment and working practices.

Experience in leading teams is essential as we are committed to developing our in-house team, encouraging individuals to expand their knowledge, and to drive a strong team-working ethic. We aim to maintain an inclusive environment where everyone is engaged in the future plans of the Laboratory.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience within a busy veterinary laboratory handling equine samples, and/or clinical setting
• An MRCVS qualification who is board eligible or has obtained Specialist Status in Internal Medicine or Pathology
• Good communication and line management experience

Because our employees matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:

Work-life balance

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Your birthday as a paid day off

Wellbeing

• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
• Non-accidental injury support

Development

• Excellent CPD allowance & enhanced leave
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

Additional

• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension - 5% Employee/3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care

How to apply

If you would like to apply, please follow the link on the page or send your covering letter and current CV to [e-mail]

Competitive Salary