Director of Equine Surgery

Donnington Grove Veterinary Group is seeking an exceptional equine surgeon to join our senior leadership team as Director of Equine Surgery. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a progressive, referral-level surgical service within a highly regarded veterinary group at the heart of Berkshire’s equine community.

This role is ideal for a highly experienced board-certified equine surgeon (ACVS/ECVS) with a strong referral caseload background who is driven to deliver clinical excellence, inspire teams and influence the future of equine surgical care.

Based in Newbury, Donnington Grove Veterinary Group has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, client-focused veterinary care. Our equine division supports a diverse caseload, from elite competition and racehorses to leisure and breeding horses, through a combination of ambulatory services, advanced diagnostics, hospitalisation and surgical care.

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.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As the Director of Equine Surgery, you will lead the continued development of a busy and diverse equine surgical service, combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership. The role provides exposure to a comprehensive range of both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries in an elective and emergency setting.

The hospital services a broad client base, including sports horse, Thoroughbred racing, breeding and leisure sectors, and you will play a key role in advancing both clinical standards and client service. Our caseload spans:

* Elective and emergency soft tissue surgery
* Orthopaedic and fracture repair
* Arthroscopy and minimally invasive procedures
* Upper airway surgery
* Laparotomy and colic surgery
* Wound reconstruction and advanced diagnostics

Working closely with a broad client base, including sports horse, racing, breeding and leisure sectors, you will play a key role in advancing both clinical standards and client service.

Key Responsibilities

* Provide clinical and strategic leadership for the equine surgery department
* Deliver high-quality elective and emergency surgical procedures
* Drive service growth, innovation and clinical excellence
* Mentor and develop residents, interns and nursing staff
* Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
* Build and strengthen relationships with referring vets and clients
* Lead clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives
* Contribute to business planning and operational decision-making
* Represent the practice within the wider equine industry

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a senior veterinary leader with a strong track record of clinical excellence and strategic leadership. You’ll bring:

* Board-certified in equine surgery (ECVS and/or ACVS)
* Strong referral-level caseload experience
* Expertise across orthopaedic, soft tissue and emergency procedures
* Proven leadership and team development skills
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
* Commercial awareness and strategic mindset

How We’ll Support You

* The opportunity to shape and lead clinical strategy across a large practice, hospital, or group of services
* Senior-level influence over clinical standards, governance, and service development
* Support to further develop strategic leadership, change management, and organisational impact
* Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
* £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider senior or executive leadership roles
* A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, innovation, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

* 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
* Private medical insurance
* Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
* BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
* Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
* Retail discounts and cashback offers
* Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
 

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