Clinical Director Vet - Tunbridge Wells

Permanent Clinical Director Veterinary Surgeon – Tunbridge Wells

Lead a clinic, shape a team, and help build a different kind of veterinary experience. This Clinical Director role in Tunbridge Wells offers the chance to combine hands-on small animal clinical work with genuine leadership responsibility, supported by a wider leadership team and purpose-built technology. It will suit an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who wants autonomy, influence, and the opportunity to contribute to a growing group.

Key Details

- Position: Clinical Director

- Location: Tunbridge Wells

- Specialism: Small Animal Practice

- Working pattern: Approximately 80% clinical practice

- Annual leave: 210 hours plus bank holidays

- Birthday leave: Birthday off after one year’s service

- Pension: Salary sacrifice scheme with 5% employee and 3% employer contributions

- CPD: £1,500 allowance and 5 days’ study leave

- Healthcare incentive: Available after one year of employment

- Additional benefits: Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders, free snacks and lunch in clinic, monthly peer recognition schemes, regular team and company social events

- Share options: Eligibility after successful completion of probation, subject to scheme rules and eligibility criteria

Why You'll Love This Role

This is a leadership role with real scope to influence clinical standards, team development, and local strategy. You will have the autonomy to lead within a supported framework, while working in an organisation that is focused on sensible caseloads, development, and a strong client experience.

About the Role

You will act as the clinical figurehead for the clinic and directly manage the Veterinary Surgeons, Head Nurse, and Practice Manager. The role combines clinical delivery with responsibility for performance across clinical, financial, and people areas.

A significant proportion of your time will be spent in clinical practice, leading by example and maintaining high standards of care. You will also lead on clinical governance, audit, quality improvement, and education within the team.

The broader remit includes membership focus, client acquisition objectives, local strategy, HR, health and safety, marketing, client care, complaints management, and financial oversight. You will be expected to understand and contribute to P&L performance, KPIs, budgeting, and the clinic’s progress towards financial sustainability.

You will also support culture, communication, and wellbeing across the team, ensuring regular meetings, documented performance reviews, and an inclusive environment where staff feel supported to do their best work.

About the Practice

The organisation is building a veterinary model centred on seamless access to care, modern clinic design, and purpose-built technology. The focus is on combining first-class clinical care with a client and team experience that feels considered and supportive.

The culture places emphasis on clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and respect across the team. It is also committed to inclusion, psychological safety, and the use of support resources such as VetSafe and mental health first-aid provision.

Working in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells offers a well-connected base for veterinary professionals working in the South East. It provides access to nearby towns and commuter routes, which may suit candidates looking for a balance between local work and wider regional connectivity. The location will appeal to those who want to work in an established area while remaining within reach of London and surrounding Kent communities.

Benefits

- 210 hours’ annual leave plus bank holidays.

- Birthday off after one year’s service.

- Salary sacrifice pension scheme with 5% employee and 3% employer contributions.

- £1,500 CPD allowance and 5 days’ dedicated study leave.

- Access to a healthcare incentive after one year of employment.

- Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders.

- Free snacks and lunch in clinic.

- Monthly peer recognition schemes.

- Regular team and company social events.

- Potential share options after probation, subject to scheme rules and eligibility criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience is required?

Applicants should be MRCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeons with at least 8 years’ post-qualification experience and extensive small animal clinical experience. At least 3 years in a leadership role with direct line management responsibility is also required.

What will the role involve day to day?

The role combines approximately 80% clinical practice with leadership, team management, governance, and business oversight. You will lead the vet team, Head Nurse, and Practice Manager while helping to drive clinical and financial performance.

What support will be available?

You will be supported by the wider leadership team and will have autonomy within the clinic framework. The role also sits within a culture that values development, wellbeing, and regular team communication.

What type of caseload can I expect?

The role is within small animal clinical practice and is focused on maintaining high standards of care across patient interactions. The advert also refers to sensible caseloads within the wider organisation.

What is the starting date?

The role is available to start as soon as possible.

If you are an experienced Veterinary Surgeon seeking a leadership role with scope to shape clinical quality, team culture, and business performance, I would welcome your application. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Job Reference No: JN-35759