Director of Practice

Thistle Equine, Syke, Symington

Discipline: Leadership

Full Time

Up to £60,000 pa DOE

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Director of Practice - Thistle Equine Vets
Salary up to £60,000 DOE, Relocation allowance up to £3,000
Closing date: 20th July Subject to change

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Exciting Opportunity to join Thistle Equine Vets   Ongoing collaboration between MBM equine, The Equine Vet clinic and Avondale equine has seen the creation of Thistle Equine Vets, a first opinion service located in the west coast of Scotland.  The three practices have been working closely together for some time under inspiring vet care stewardship during which time they have successfully launched a combined out of hours service and a RCVS specialist led Referral service. The new collaboration has created the need for a Director of Practice.

The three practices have been working closely together for some time under inspiring vet care stewardship during which time they have successfully launched a combined out of hours service and a RCVS specialist led Referral service.  Thistle Equine provides the breadth and depth of experience horse owners need, with an ambulatory service, integrated out-of-hours service, a specialist led surgical referral service, and a highly experienced team including several equine advanced practitioners and qualified equine veterinary nurses.

Practice Highlights

First opinion and referral lead service practice, with ambulatory care, a fully integrated out-of-hours service and a specialist-led surgical referral service

A dedicated team of advanced equine practitioners and qualified equine veterinary nurses and support staff

Supportive, inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven workplace with a focus on wellbeing and teamwork.

Convenient location with excellent transport links and access to beautiful countryside

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Director of Practice , you will have overall responsibility for the operational, commercial and people performance of multiple practices, working closely with clinical leadership to deliver outstanding patient and client care.

You’ll set and execute the strategic direction of the practices, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the delivery of high standards across operations, client experience and business performance. This role plays a critical part in shaping culture, driving results and supporting sustainable growth.

Working Pattern

Working 40 hours per week

Across Monday - Friday

Travel across all sites may be required

Key Responsibilities

Lead the operational, commercial, and financial performance of the veterinary practice(s), working in partnership with the Clinical Directors to achieve business and clinical objectives.

Drive business growth through strategic planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and effective management of practice performance and budgets.

Build, engage, and develop a high-performing team culture by providing leadership, coaching, and effective resource management.

Ensure the delivery of exceptional clinical standards, regulatory compliance, and outstanding client and patient care across all locations.

Champion a safe, compliant, and collaborative working environment while supporting the implementation of company goals and best practices.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a senior operational leader with strong commercial acumen and a people-centred leadership approach. You’ll bring:

Proven experience in a senior leadership role with accountability for operational and commercial performance

Strong financial and business management capability, including experience with planning and P&L oversight

The ability to lead, engage and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams

Experience leading through change and driving cultural or transformational initiatives

Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting you in a senior executive leadership role. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

Overall leadership of a practice or hospital with the autonomy to shape strategy, culture and performance

Senior-level influence across operations, client experience and business outcomes

Opportunities to lead large-scale change and drive long-term organisational impact

Ongoing learning and development to support executive and leadership growth

A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)

Retail discounts and cashback offers

Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

Thistle Equine, Syke

Sykes Farm, Bogend Toll, Symington, KA1 5PD, United Kingdom

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Animals treated

Equine

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At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Margaret Bryson from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.

Lead Talent Partner

Margaret Bryson

margaret.bryson@ivcevidensia.com