Lead Veterinarian | Veterinary Director - Botany Downs

Animates Holdings NZ Ltd; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Animates Vetcare in Botany Downs is seeking a Veterinary Director to lead from the front while remaining actively involved in patient care. This hands-on leadership role will mentor staff, drive clinical excellence, and shape the future of two established practices.

You will be supported by Practice Managers and a national veterinary group focused on professional growth, wellbeing, and clinical excellence. The role suits an experienced clinician ready for a leadership step with a strong

Qualifications

• NZ veterinary qualification recognised and NZVSB registration eligibility.
• Significant companion animal clinical experience as a senior clinician.
• Passion for delivering outstanding patient care.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead, influence and develop others.
• Nice to have leadership, mentoring, or clinical coaching experience.
• Experience supporting practice development or business improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional companion animal veterinary care and uphold high clinical standards.
• Lead and support veterinarians and nurses through coaching, mentoring, and clinical guidance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and clinical excellence across both clinics.
• Collaborate with Practice Managers and leadership teams to support clinic performance and growth.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance team success, patient outcomes, and client experience.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Clinical governance

Communication

Education

NZ veterinary qualification

Tools

Digital radiography

Ultrasound

Dental facilities

Job description

Lead Veterinarian | Veterinary Director - Botany Downs

Hands-on leadership for an experienced companion animal veterinarian

Are you an experienced companion animal veterinarian ready to lead from the front? We're looking for a Veterinary Director to provide clinical leadership for our Botany Downs clinic, while remaining actively involved in patient care. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll mentor and support your team, drive clinical excellence, and help shape the future of two well-established practices.

Why This Role?

This role offers the flexibility, development, and support you need to build a rewarding leadership career while continuing to practice high-quality veterinary medicine and surgery.

You'll be backed by experienced Practice Managers, a wider clinical leadership network, and a national veterinary group committed to professional growth, wellbeing, and clinical excellence. Whether you're an established leader or a senior veterinarian ready for your next step, you'll have the support to succeed.

What You'll Do

• Provide exceptional companion animal veterinary care and maintain high clinical standards.
• Lead and support veterinarians and nurses through coaching, mentoring, and clinical guidance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and clinical excellence across both clinics.
• Partner with Practice Managers and leadership teams to support clinic performance and growth.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance team success, patient outcomes, and client experience.

What You Need

• Veterinary qualification recognised in New Zealand and eligibility for NZVSB registration.
• Significant companion animal clinical experience with confidence as a senior clinician.
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding patient care.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to lead, influence, and develop others.

It's a bonus if you have:

• Previous leadership, mentoring, or clinical coaching experience.
• Experience supporting practice development or business improvement initiatives.

What You'll Get

• A leadership position with real influence and autonomy.
• Ongoing professional development and generous CPD support.
• Access to experienced clinical leaders and a national support network.
• The opportunity to continue practising medicine while developing your leadership capability.
• Modern, well-equipped clinics with digital radiography, dental facilities, diagnostics, and ultrasound technology.
• A collaborative team environment where wellbeing and professional growth are genuinely prioritised.

About Our Clinic

Located in the heart of Botany, East Auckland, Animates Vetcare is a vibrant, busy, and well-equipped clinic where you'll build great client relationships while delivering high-quality patient care alongside a supportive team. We pride ourselves on our positive team culture, with wellbeing at the heart of what we do.

Enjoy a cosy break room, nearby parks and walks for your lunch break, cafés, eateries, shopping centres and a popular mall right on your doorstep, plus free parking and excellent public transport options just minutes from the clinic. It's a welcoming environment where teamwork, support, and a genuine love of veterinary care make every day rewarding.

About Us

We're proud to foster a culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Our teams are collaborative, inclusive, and committed to delivering exceptional care for patients and clients alike.

Through strong clinical leadership, investment in professional development, modern facilities, and a genuine focus on wellbeing, we create an environment where veterinarians can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and we're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong.

We're proud to be a Rainbow Tick Certified Employer and the first organisation in Aotearoa to achieve Gold-level recognition in the Mental Health First Aid Workplace Recognition Programme, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel supported, connected and comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day.

Ready to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact? We'd love to hear from you.