Cytopathology Manager – Hybrid

Cytopathology Manager – Hybrid

Location:

Exeter

Department:
Senior Leadership Team

Reports to:

CEO

Contract:

Full‑time
Working Pattern:
Monday to Friday | Hybrid Working Available

This is a varied leadership position where approximately 90% of the time is focused on leadership, people management, strategic development, resident training and quality assurance with 10% involvement in diagnostic pathology.

You will act as the clinical figurehead for pathology within your designated laboratory, representing VPG/Zooetis internally and externally while ensuring outstanding clinical quality, operational excellence and an exceptional client experience.

• Deliver high‑quality diagnostic pathology services while maintaining exceptional professional standards.
• Provide expert clinical support to veterinary clients.
• Ensure pathology reporting meets agreed turnaround times and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality and service delivery.
• Support the Laboratory Director in delivering an outstanding end‑to‑end laboratory service.
• Contribute to research, innovation, education and business development initiatives.
• Support the training and development of Resident Pathologists.

• Lead and develop a team of employed and contracted pathologists by providing day‑to‑day leadership and line management.
• Conduct annual appraisals and regular one‑to‑one meetings.
• Create development plans for team members.
• Manage performance, attendance, wellbeing and conduct.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of new pathologists.
• Assist logistics with pathology rotas, holiday planning and contractor resources.
• Lead regular pathology team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory training and company policies.

• Help shape VPG's pathology strategy.
• Translate organisational objectives into practical action plans.
• Drive continuous improvement across pathology services.
• Support business growth through client engagement and service development.
• Lead and contribute to company‑wide pathology projects.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.

• Board Certification (or equivalent specialist qualification) in Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
• Significant experience in veterinary diagnostic pathology.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring clinical teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and decision‑making abilities.
• A collaborative leadership style with high emotional intelligence.
• Commitment to clinical excellence and continuous professional development.
• Experience managing complex caseloads while maintaining high‑quality reporting standards.
• Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Desirable:
  Previous laboratory leadership experience.
• Desirable:
  Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Desirable:
  Business development or commercial experience.
• Desirable:
  Experience contributing to research or published work.
• Desirable:
  Experience training residents or interns.

• Pathology team is engaged, motivated and performing at a high level.
• Diagnostic turnaround times consistently meet agreed service levels.
• Clinical quality remains exceptional.
• Client satisfaction remains high, with minimal complaints.
• Recruitment, retention and development of pathologists are successful.
• Pathology resources are effectively managed.
• Business growth and laboratory performance continue to improve.
• VPG/Zoetis continues to be recognised as a leading provider of veterinary diagnostic services.