Veterinary Medical Director
J889268 Union New Jersey USD150K- USD190K / Year
Lead, mentor and elevate veterinary teams as Area Chief of Staff in Union, NJ, with total compensation up to $190,000. This is a high-impact leadership role guiding medical quality, team development and client experience across a cluster of well-equipped small-animal hospitals.
The Hospital
This role supports a group of community-focused, retail-based small-animal clinics known for accessible, preventive-led care. Each site offers:
- A client-friendly setting within a busy pet retail environment that drives steady wellness and walk-in traffic
- On-site diagnostics including digital radiography, dental X-rays and an in-house laboratory for prompt results
- Client convenience services such as drop-off appointments, an in-house pharmacy and access to online pharmacy options
- A collaborative team model with veterinarians, credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants and client-service coordinators
- Streamlined workflows with technician-supported appointments under veterinarian supervision where permitted
- A learning-forward culture with onboarding resources and continuing-education support
Location
Union, NJ offers the best of both worlds: suburban convenience with quick connections to major cities and amenities. It is a practical home base for professionals and families alike.
- Excellent access to New York City and Newark with NJ Transit options and typical drive times to Manhattan often in the 30-55 minute range, depending on traffic
- Minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport for effortless travel
- Robust highway connectivity via Route 22, the Garden State Parkway, I-78 and the New Jersey Turnpike
- Kean University nearby for community partnerships, events and a strong local talent pipeline
- Cultural highlights including the Liberty Hall Museum
- Ample parks and recreation across Union County, including the Rahway River Parkway and Galloping Hill Golf Course
- Diverse dining and shopping along the US-22 corridor and at major regional destinations such as The Mills at Jersey Gardens
- Family-friendly community with a range of school options and county resources
- Generally positive public safety indicators relative to national averages
Benefits
Competitive compensation with production-based bonus opportunity
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Continuing education allowance with paid CE days
- Reimbursement for state licensure and DEA fees
- Professional liability coverage
- Short-and-long-term disability and life insurance
- Parental leave
- Student loan support programs
- Employee assistance program and wellbeing resources
- Relocation support considered for qualified candidates
The Role
- Provide medical leadership for associate veterinarians across assigned hospitals; coach, mentor and develop teams to deliver consistent, high-quality care
- Split time between leadership duties and direct clinical practice; serve as a hands-on, hospital-based working manager
- Drive preventive-care standards, medical quality, patient safety and client-centered service
- Oversee onboarding and coaching for newly hired veterinarians; support growth in clinical, surgical and dental skills
- Partner with practice managers and talent teams on recruiting, workforce planning and retention strategies
- Review medical records, complete quality assessments and audits; implement action plans to close gaps
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including controlled substance management and radiation safety
- Act as Responsible Veterinarian for applicable permits; maintain controlled substance oversight (including for relief doctors)
- Manage medical equipment needs and maintenance in partnership with leadership
- Lead hospital performance toward operational goals and key metrics while protecting medical standards
- Address escalated client concerns related to standard of care and service recovery
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, purpose-driven culture across the hospital group
- Full-time role based in Union, NJ with regular presence across assigned local hospitals
Requirements
- DVM/VMD degree from an accredited institution
- Active New Jersey veterinary license (or eligibility to obtain prior to start)
- DEA registration (or eligibility)
- Eligibility to work in the United States
- Proven clinical proficiency, including routine soft-tissue surgery and dentistry
- Demonstrated success leading or mentoring veterinarians and clinical teams
- Strong organizational, problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across locations
- Comfort with digital radiography, dental radiography and in-house laboratory workflows
- Willingness to travel locally between assigned hospitals as needed