Kessock Equine Vets, Scotland

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time, Part Time, Flexible

Up to £80,000 DOE

Clinical Director – Equine Only Practice (Highlands)
 
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 & Welcome bonus up to £5,000

 
This is not just a leadership appointment. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of equine veterinary care in one of the most unique regions in the UK.
 
At Inspiring Vet Care, our purpose is simple: healthier animals, happier owners. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we’re trusted with the care of over 2 million animals—but it’s our local teams, like Kessock Equine Vets, who bring that purpose to life every day.

 
A rare leadership opportunity in the Highlands

 
Kessock Equine Vets is the only dedicated equine practice in the Highlands—a well-established, highly respected service delivering 24/7 veterinary care to a loyal and diverse client base.
 
This is a practice with strong foundations, an excellent reputation, and a committed clinical team—but also significant opportunity. We are now seeking an experienced equine vet ready to step into a Clinical Director role and take genuine ownership of clinical standards, team development, and future direction.
 
This is a role for someone who wants more than management. It’s for a clinician who wants influence, autonomy, and the chance to leave a lasting clinical legacy.

 
What makes this opportunity different

 
The only equine-exclusive practice in the Highlands
A genuinely hands-on leadership role in a small, experienced team
A 24/7 ambulatory and emergency caseload with real clinical variety
Significant scope to shape clinical standards, service design, and future investment
A culture that values clinical judgement, autonomy, and trust
A flexible balance of clinical work and leadership, shaped around you
A lifestyle location offering space, community, and exceptional outdoor living
Working up to 40 hours per week with 1:4.5 OOH weekends 

Your role: Clinical Director

 
As Clinical Director (Director of Practice & Clinical Services), you will lead the clinical and strategic direction of the practice, working closely with the Practice Manager to ensure outstanding patient care, strong team culture, and sustainable growth.
 

This is a visible, influential position at the heart of the practice—where your decisions directly shape how the service evolves.

 
Key areas of responsibility

 
Lead clinical governance, standards, and decision-making across the practice
Shape and develop clinical protocols, patient pathways, and quality improvement initiatives
Mentor and support a small, highly engaged veterinary team
Work collaboratively on operational performance, workforce planning, and sustainability
Drive service development, investment priorities, and strategic growth
Act as a senior clinical ambassador to clients and referring practices
Maintain clinical involvement aligned to your interests and strengths
Participate in the out-of-hours rota as part of a shared team commitment

 
Lifestyle & location

 
Based in Inverness, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, this role offers a rare combination of senior clinical leadership and exceptional quality of life.
 
This is a location for those who value space, landscape, and outdoor living—where mountains, coastlines, and rural practice life sit side by side.

 
Culture

 
Kessock Equine Vets is built on collaboration, clinical pride, and trust. We are a small team with strong relationships, a shared commitment to high standards, and a genuine focus on doing things properly.

We are looking for a leader who wants to build on that foundation—not just manage it.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a senior clinical leader with strong equine expertise, commercial awareness, and a passion for developing people and services. You’ll bring:

Significant experience as an equine veterinary surgeon, ideally with advanced qualifications (e.g. CertAVP or equivalent)
Proven experience in a senior clinical or leadership role, with responsibility for team support and development
Strong financial and business awareness, with an interest in practice performance and sustainability
The ability to lead, engage, and motivate teams, creating a positive and high-performing culture
Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives
Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
A collaborative, values-driven leadership style aligned with high clinical and client care standards

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
BEVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
Retail discounts and cashback offers
Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets