Clinical Operations Lead (East)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced veterinary leader to join Animal Trust as Clinical Operations Lead for the East region. Working with the Director of Veterinary Services, you will provide clinical leadership across hospital and general practice sites, ensuring safe, effective and sustainable care while supporting the organisation’s growth.

Key responsibilities

• Work with Lead Vets, Lead RVNs and operational leaders to maintain high standards of patient care, clinical quality and productivity.
• Provide matrix leadership to Lead Vets and direct management support, including performance and development.
• Use clinical, operational and governance information to identify priorities and lead improvement plans at site and regional level.
• Oversee clinical induction, competency frameworks and development planning for veterinary surgeons and nurses.
• Support delivery of the New Graduate Programme, internal training and selected external development.
• Ensure sites have plans to build and maintain key services within the agreed scope of service.
• Partner with Quality and Clinical Governance colleagues to respond to audit findings and strengthen site governance.
• Lead the clinical response to complex complaints and appeals requiring senior input.
• Work with operational leaders on improvement plans where productivity is below the Animal Trust model.
• Oversee the clinical training budget, ensuring development is effective, equitable and financially responsible.
• Contribute to Lead Vet and Lead RVN forums, clinical recruitment and wider transformation projects.
• Provide clinical leadership cover when a Lead Vet is absent and regional support is needed.

Required profile

• Registration with RCVS as a Veterinary Surgeon.
• Substantial experience in small‑animal veterinary practice with a strong understanding of clinical standards, patient safety and professional accountability.
• Experience leading, coaching or influencing clinical teams and senior clinicians across a complex service.
• Ability to interpret performance and governance information and develop proportionate improvement plans.
• Strong judgement and communication skills, including managing sensitive performance, complaint and governance matters.
• Collaborative approach to matrix working across clinical and operational leadership.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the East region.

What we offer

• 6 weeks of holiday per year.
• 52 weeks sickness benefit available.
• Private health care after a qualifying period.
• RCVS and VDS fees paid.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• E‑Car scheme.
• Store discounts through Perkbox.
• Staff discount 20%.
• Contributory pension scheme (4%).
• Enhanced maternity and paternity package.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Funded CPD.