Senior Veterinary Lead
Reports to: Managing Director
Direct Reports: None (supports all field veterinary staff via Regional Leads)
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week, 5 days per week
Location: National – home-based
Travel Required: Yes – national travel to client sites and teams; occasional international travel
Salary: Starting at £65,000 DOE
Main Purpose of Role
The Senior Veterinary Lead is responsible for providing national technical leadership across all Amivet services. They act as the company's technical lead, ensuring consistency in technical governance, high standards of veterinary delivery, and professional development of Official Veterinarians (OVs).
The role includes oversight of technical performance, handling formal performance concerns, coordinating national training, and supporting strategic planning and quality assurance in collaboration with the Managing Director, Operations Manager, and Team Leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership and Oversight
* Lead on the development and maintenance of technical quality standards across all contracts and regions
* Provide guidance and oversight on complex or high-risk certification cases
* Ensure compliance with DEFRA/APHA and legislative standards
* Conduct technical audits of Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and compliance reports
* Respond to escalated technical or regulatory queries from Team Leaders and OVs
Veterinary Performance and Development
* Lead formal performance management processes related to technical standards
* Monitor and report on national vet technical performance trends
* Provide 1:1 support and mentoring where needed to improve consistency
* Design and deliver in-house training, CPD, and technical resources on all Amivet services
* Maintain appropriate documentation and action logs for performance-related cases
Collaboration and Strategic Support
* Coordinate regularly with Team Leaders and Operations Manager
* Input into recruitment, technical sign-off, and role development
* Collaborate with and support the Business Development team
* Liaise with the Managing Director and Operations Manager on new service opportunities or contract proposals
* Attend regular leadership team meetings and contribute to strategic planning
* Participate in national reviews and external audits as required
Key Skills and Experience
* MRCVS-registered veterinary surgeon
* OCQ (ES, EX, PX) qualified
* Extensive experience in Export Certification (PX) and veterinary public health
* Strong knowledge of POAO legislation, EHC protocols, and compliance frameworks
* Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage performance, and mentor peers effectively
* Skilled in developing and delivering training to diverse stakeholders
* Experience in auditing, compliance, abattoir operations and portal controls
* High attention to detail with a strong focus on clinical accuracy and regulatory compliance
* Confident communicator, able to support, challenge, and influence at all levels
* Proficient in digital tools, technical documentation, and audit methodologies
* Fully flexible for national/international travel; full UK driving licence and own transport
Working Arrangements
* Primarily remote with regular in-person visits to teams and clients
* Flexible working pattern, dependent on operational needs
* Some out-of-hours and overnight travel required
* Office access available if required for training or meetings
* Role requires autonomy and flexible time management
Remuneration and Benefits for employees
Our Team is our greatest asset, so, we offer the following benefits package;
* Annual salary reviews
* Holidays - 5.6 weeks inc. bank holidays
* Enhanced annual leave - increases to 6.6 weeks inc bank holidays after 1 year service
* Company sick pay
* Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave/pay
* Bereavement Leave (plus additional leave in the event of parental bereavement)
* Private Health Insurance (with no excess)
* Paid 'Emergency' leave
* Pension
* RCVS and VDS fees paid
* CPD / training
* OCQ ES, EX, PX supported and fully funded (inc. requalification)
* Annual Training Bonus of £250 for completion of assigned training
* Kit including phone, laptop and printer provided
* Uniform/PPE Provided
* Benefits platform with access to discounts for many well-known retailers
* Employee pet discounts at IVC practices
* Employee pet insurance discount
Please note, we will review and interview applicants on a rolling basis, and reserve the right to close applications for this position at any time.
Amivet are a subsidiary of IVC Evidensia.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Bereavement leave
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Free flu jabs
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Private medical insurance
* Relocation assistance
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Northwich CW8 2EB