Donnington Grove Veterinary Group is seeking an exceptional equine surgeon to join our senior leadership team as Director of Equine Surgery. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a progressive, referral-level surgical service within a highly regarded veterinary group at the heart of Berkshire’s equine community.
This role is ideal for a highly experienced board-certified equine surgeon (ACVS/ECVS) with a strong referral caseload background who is driven to deliver clinical excellence, inspire teams and influence the future of equine surgical care.
Based in Newbury, Donnington Grove Veterinary Group has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, client-focused veterinary care. Our equine division supports a diverse caseload, from elite competition and racehorses to leisure and breeding horses, through a combination of ambulatory services, advanced diagnostics, hospitalisation and surgical care.
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.
How You’ll Make a Difference As the Director of Equine Surgery, you will provide senior clinical leadership across a large practice, hospital, or group of services, setting and delivering the clinical vision in line with inspiring vet care’s strategy, standards, and values.
You will lead the continued development of a busy and diverse equine surgical service, combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership. Our caseload spans:
Elective and emergency soft tissue surgery
Orthopaedic and fracture repair
Arthroscopy and minimally invasive procedures
Upper airway surgery
Laparotomy and colic surgery
Wound reconstruction and advanced diagnostics
Working closely with a broad client base, including sports horse, racing, breeding and leisure sectors, you will play a key role in advancing both clinical standards and client service.
Key Responsibilities
Provide clinical and strategic leadership for the equine surgery department
Deliver high-quality elective and emergency surgical procedures
Drive service growth, innovation and clinical excellence
Mentor and develop residents, interns and nursing staff
Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
Build and strengthen relationships with referring vets and clientsLead clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives
Contribute to business planning and operational decision‑making
Represent the practice within the wider equine industry
You Might Be a Great Fit If... You are a senior veterinary leader with a strong track record of clinical excellence and strategic leadership. You’ll bring:
Board-certified in equine surgery (ECVS and/or ACVS)
Strong referral-level caseload experience
Expertise across orthopaedic, soft tissue and emergency procedures
Proven leadership and team development skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
Commercial awareness and strategic mindset
How We’ll Support You At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting you in a senior clinical leadership role. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
The opportunity to shape and lead clinical strategy across a large practice, hospital, or group of services
Senior-level influence over clinical standards, governance, and service development
Support to further develop strategic leadership, change management, and organisational impact
Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
£1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider senior or executive leadership roles
A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, innovation, 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
BVA 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
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.
Competitive salary DOE
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