Lead a Business. Develop People. Drive Meaningful Impact. 

Exceptional leadership transforms businesses. At IVC Evidensia, it also helps shape the care delivered to thousands of animals and the experience of the clients and colleagues who depend on our services every day. 

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Practice Director to provide leadership across three established veterinary practices in County Westmeath. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven business leader looking to bring their commercial expertise, operational knowledge, and people leadership skills into a purpose-driven environment. Working in partnership with veterinary professionals and support teams, you will be responsible for driving business performance, developing people, and ensuring the long-term success of each practice. 

Whether your background is in healthcare, retail, hospitality, professional services, operations, logistics, or another customer-focused sector, this role offers the opportunity to lead multiple businesses, influence strategic direction, and make a tangible impact across a diverse veterinary region. 

Veterinary experience is not essential. Strong leadership capability, demonstrable commercial acumen, and a proven ability to deliver results through people are. 

 

 

The Opportunity 

As Practice Director, you will provide operational, financial, and people leadership across three well-established veterinary practices located between Athlone and Mullingar. 

Working closely with Clinical Directors, veterinary surgeons, nurses, and support teams, you will ensure each practice continues to deliver exceptional patient care and client service while achieving sustainable commercial performance. 

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership and offers genuine autonomy to drive positive change, improve business performance, support team development, and identify opportunities for future growth. 

You will play a key role in shaping the success of each practice, helping to create environments where colleagues feel engaged, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. 

 

 

The Practices and Leadership Structure 

This role supports three established veterinary practices, each with its own identity, team, client base, and area of expertise. 

Auburn Veterinary Hospital, Mullingar is a busy mixed animal practice providing care to both companion animals and farm clients. The practice has a strong reputation within the local community and is supported by an experienced and collaborative clinical team. 

Mullingar Pet Hospital is a dedicated companion animal practice focused on delivering high-quality care to pets and their owners. The clinic serves a loyal client base and plays an important role in the provision of small animal veterinary services within the region. 

Athlone Veterinary Hospital is an established mixed practice with a strong small animal caseload alongside farm animal services. The practice is well-equipped and supported by an experienced team committed to delivering excellent clinical standards and client care. 

While each practice operates under its own brand and serves its own distinct client base, all are part of the wider IVC Evidensia network, benefitting from the support, resources, and opportunities that come with being part of one of the world's leading veterinary organisations. 

 

 

Leadership and Reporting Structure 

As Practice Director, you will work in partnership with the Clinical Directors and senior clinical teams across all three practices, ensuring business objectives and clinical excellence remain aligned. 

Reporting directly to the Area Director, you will collaborate closely with regional support functions including Operations, Finance, People, and Talent teams. This structure provides the successful candidate with both the autonomy to lead locally and the support of a wider leadership network. 

You will act as the link between people, performance, and strategy, ensuring each practice is positioned for long-term success while maintaining an exceptional experience for both clients and colleagues. 

 

 

The Role 

This is a broad and rewarding leadership position requiring a balance of strategic thinking and operational capability. 

You will oversee the day-to-day business operations of the practices while maintaining a clear focus on commercial performance, client satisfaction, employee engagement, and future growth. You will be responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, KPI monitoring, cost control, and overall P&L accountability across the region. 

People leadership will be central to your success. You will support recruitment, performance management, succession planning, employee engagement, and talent development while fostering a culture built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

Working alongside clinical leaders, you will identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, strengthen client relationships, and support sustainable growth. You will also ensure compliance with regulatory, health and safety, and quality standards across all practices. 

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership, influencing outcomes, leading through change, and delivering measurable business results. 

 

 

About You 

We are looking for a commercially astute leader with a proven track record of delivering success through people. 

You will be able to demonstrate strong business acumen and experience managing budgets, financial performance, operational metrics, and business planning. You understand how to translate data and insight into action and have a track record of improving performance within complex or multi-site environments. 

You are likely to have gained leadership experience within healthcare, veterinary, retail, hospitality, professional services, or another customer-focused or regulated industry. Experience within the veterinary sector would be beneficial but is not essential. 

Most importantly, you will be an engaging and credible leader with excellent communication skills, strong emotional intelligence, and the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues at all levels. 

A full driving licence and the ability to travel regularly between practice locations are essential. 

 

 

Why Join IVC Evidensia? 

This is a unique opportunity to join one of the world's leading veterinary groups while retaining the feel and autonomy of a local business. 

You'll have the support of a wider leadership network, access to excellent development opportunities, and the opportunity to build a rewarding career within a growing organisation. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to use your leadership skills in a role where your contribution has a genuine and lasting impact on colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve. 

 

 

What We Offer 

Alongside a competitive salary starting from €50,000, dependent on experience, you'll be eligible to participate in our discretionary Director Bonus Scheme. 

Our benefits package has been designed to support your wellbeing, career development, and financial security and includes: 

Work-life balance & Employee Wellbeing 

22 days annual leave 

Birthday leave 

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline 

Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption pay 

Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing  

Paid bereavement leave & Company sick pay 

Development 

Annual CPD allowance with paid CPD days pro rata for Veterinary Professionals 

Full Support and Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue 

Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical 

Colleague Benefits 

Annual pay reviews 

Director bonus scheme 

Company pension scheme 

Pawesome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers 

Cycle to Work Scheme 

Free flu inoculations 

Discounted treatment for your own pets at any IVC Evidensia practice 

 

 

Additional Information 

Contract: Permanent 

Hours: 40 hours per week, worked on a rota basis in line with business requirements. 

Location: County Westmeath, with regular travel between Athlone and Mullingar. 

Salary: From €50,000 DOE plus participation in a discretionary Director Bonus Scheme. 

 

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Ireland. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

 

 

Ready for Your Next Leadership Challenge? 

If you're a commercially astute leader with the drive to develop people, improve business performance, and make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you. 

 

Apply today and discover how your business leadership could help shape the future of veterinary care across Westmeath. 

 

Application closing date Friday 25th September 2026