Clinical Leader (Director) – Companion Animals

Be part of something exceptional. Be part of RVC.

At Rangiora Vet Centre, our mission is simple: to be the centre of veterinary excellence and innovation. We live by our values of Excellence, Empathy, Respect, Teamwork, Community and Innovation, and we are looking for an experienced companion animal (CA) veterinarian and clinical leader who shares these values.

RVC is a proudly independent, private veterinary practice with a long history in North Canterbury. Our team includes approximately 35 veterinarians and 65 support staff across three clinics, situated in idyllic countryside just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. We have served our community for over 50 years and continue to strive for excellence for our clients, patients and team.

We are now seeking a Clinical Leader (Director) to lead, drive and direct the clinical standards of our CA service across RVC.

ABOUT RVC

RVC is a first opinion and referral practice, receiving patients from across the South Island. Our CA facilities include purpose-built clinical spaces, three custom-designed theatres, in-house laboratory, ultrasound, digital radiography, endoscopy and a Canon 78cm bore 128-slice CT scanner. We are NZVA BESTPRACTICE and Hospital Standards accredited, and an ISFM Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic.

We are proud of our supportive, collegial and professional team culture, where ongoing development, clinical excellence, innovation and staff wellbeing are genuinely valued.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a senior clinical leadership role with a broad mandate to shape the future of CA care at RVC.

As Clinical Leader, you will provide overall clinical leadership and governance for our CA services. You will work closely with the Managing Director, Practice Manager, CA Clinic Coordinator, Clinical Care Manager, Clinical Support Lead Nurse, team leaders, veterinarians, nurses and support teams.

This is not a traditional full-time clinically practicing vet role, nor is it office based. The Clinical Leader will maintain some clinical involvement whilst enabling capacity to also be present on the floor to observe, coach, support decision-making, build trust and strengthen clinical standards across the team.

You will help drive:

  • Clinical excellence, patient safety and evidence-based practice.

  • Clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and risk management.

  • Coaching and mentoring of veterinarians, nurses and clinical support staff.

  • Strong clinical culture, communication and professional standards.

  • Service improvement, workflow review and sustainable clinical operations.

  • Meaningful learning from complaints, incidents, significant event audits and morbidity and mortality reviews, leading to sustained and positive change.

  • Strategic input into clinical investment, service development, equipment, facilities, training and workforce capability.

You will play a key role in protecting and enhancing RVC's long-term clinical reputation while helping our teams deliver excellent outcomes for patients, clients and each other.

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced CA veterinarian with strong clinical judgement, credibility and a genuine passion for helping others develop.

You will be someone who enjoys being present with the team, understands the realities of busy clinical work, and can lead through a balance of trust, high standards, empathy and accountability.

Essential qualifications, experience and attributes

The successful applicant will have:

  • BVSc or equivalent veterinary degree eligible for registration with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.

  • Extensive clinical experience in small animal clinical practice, typically 10+ years.

  • Demonstrated track record of high-quality clinical care, leading or contributing to clinical audit/quality improvement projects and supporting/mentoring colleagues.

  • Strong alignment with RVC's purpose, values and culture, with a genuine commitment to team-based care.

  • Postgraduate qualification in a relevant clinical discipline and/or in veterinary leadership, management or business.

Desirable qualifications, experience and attributes

The following would be highly regarded:

  • Experience in a formal leadership role, such as clinical lead, team leader or principal veterinarian.

  • Experience with clinical governance, accreditation programmes and/or large-team environments.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • A rare senior clinical leadership opportunity in a large, independent, progressive veterinary practice.

  • The ability to influence the clinical direction and future capability of a highly regarded CA service.

  • Access to advanced facilities, experienced colleagues and a skilled support team.

  • A supportive, collegial, fun and values-led culture.

  • Competitive remuneration, reflective of skills and experience.

  • Generous support for CPD and ongoing professional development.

  • The opportunity to work in North Canterbury, close to Christchurch and within easy reach of skiing, fishing, boating, mountain biking, hunting and hiking.

  • A role where leadership is visible, practical and connected to the clinical floor.

ROLE DETAILS

  • Position: Clinical Leader – Companion Animals

  • Location: Rangiora Vet Centre and associated branches

  • Employment type: Full-time

  • Hours: Primarily Monday to Friday, with occasional after-hours or weekend commitments for meetings, training, education or time with specific service areas

  • Reporting to: Managing Director

  • Clinical structure: Regular strategic clinical involvement, but not routinely rostered to a full independent clinical caseload

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, or to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Richard Nortje
Email: richardn@rangvet.co.nz
Phone: 03 313 7438