Director of Practice & Clinical Services - Small Animal

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.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready to take the next step into leadership. We are seeking a Director of Practice & Clinical Services to join Sheriffs Highway Vets in Gateshead on a fixed-term basis for 8–9 months to cover maternity leave. This unique role offers the opportunity to combine hands‑on clinical work with strategic leadership, influencing clinical standards, governance, service development and team performance while continuing to deliver outstanding patient and client care.

Working closely with the leadership team, you will help shape the future direction of the practice, mentor and support colleagues, champion clinical excellence, and foster a positive, collaborative culture across the team.

Following the maternity cover period, the successful candidate will transition into a permanent Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon position within the practice. As Clinical Lead, you will continue to drive high clinical standards, support complex case management, lead clinical governance initiatives, mentor and develop veterinary colleagues, and work alongside the wider leadership team to deliver continuous improvement and exceptional outcomes for patients and clients.

This is an ideal opportunity for a confident clinician with strong leadership skills who is passionate about developing people, influencing practice standards, and building a rewarding long‑term career.

• Established four‑site small animal practice (Gateshead, Sunderland, Ryton, Whickham)
• Large clinical team of 14 Veterinary Surgeons supported by experienced nursing and support staff
• Strong collaborative culture with a focus on mentoring and knowledge sharing
• Modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including Doppler ultrasound, ECG, digital radiography, dental x‑ray, endoscopy, laparoscopy, orthopaedic surgery suite, and in‑house laboratory
• Wide and varied first opinion caseload across multiple branches
• Strong support for certificate development and clinical interests across the team

As a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, you will play a key role in both clinical delivery and supporting the wider team.

You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.

• Deliver high‑quality small animal veterinary care across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics
• Support, mentor, and guide less experienced veterinary surgeons
• Contribute to clinical leadership and help maintain high clinical standards across the practice
• Work closely with the leadership team to support clinical direction and development
• Participate in a 1 in 3 Saturday rota across main and branch sites
• Work across multiple branches, including Gateshead, Sunderland, Ryton, and Whickham

• Full-time: approximately 40 hours per week
• Typically 38 hours across four weekdays with a set day off
• 1 in 3 Saturday rota (alternating full‑day and branch morning shifts)
• Flexible working discussions welcomed

Based in Gateshead, the practice is ideally located to enjoy everything the North East has to offer. From Newcastle’s vibrant city life and…