Head Vet - Operations, Partnerships and Prevention (1786)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We are looking for a new team member as Head Vet: Operations, Partnerships and Prevention

• Working hours: 35 hours / Mon - Friday. 
• Home based role: Your role will be home based, but you will be committed to travel across England and Wales for meetings with partnership, vets and internal teams. This could be weekly to start and then approximately twice per month. 

Are you ready to join our movement?

You will play a crucial role in managing our relationships with the veterinary community and other key partners regarding all aspects of the RSPCA's companion animal work (excluding equines) and broader animal welfare initiatives. You will collaborate closely with our Inspectorate, National Contact Centre (NCC), and volunteer functions to ensure comprehensive welfare oversight and clinical support.

Key responsibilities include:

• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with the wider veterinary profession, including private vets and non veterinary professionals
• Support and Oversight: Line manage with the Lead Vet: Branches and Lead Vet: Case and Forensics to ensure high standards of welfare and clinical support across RSPCA branches and casework.
• Training and Development: Manage the RSPCA's training and CPD offerings for the veterinary community and partners, fostering continuous improvement in animal welfare practices.
• Collaboration: Partner with the Head Vet: Equine and Head Vet: Wildlife and Exotics to ensure consistency across species groups.
• Prevention and Advocacy: Act as the veterinary lead within our Policy and Advocacy area, contributing to prevention initiatives and community support programs.
• Issue Resolution: Address and manage complaints or misunderstandings with the veterinary professions, improving mutual understanding and collaboration.
• Project Leadership: Lead veterinary input in prevention and education projects, and explore engagement opportunities with Veterinary Schools.

Successful candidates will possess a veterinary degree (MRCVS) along with relevant clinical experience and ideally an advanced qualification. They will have a proven track record of working at a senior level, engaging with and managing relationships across organisations within the veterinary field. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a history of driving best practices and ensuring compliance consistency across stakeholders. A strong understanding of animal welfare legislation and practices is essential.

We are also seeking: 

• Excellent communication skills, proficient in both written and verbal expression, are required.
• The successful applicant will have a demonstrated ability to work effectively across teams, maintaining positive dynamics. Leveraging persuasive communication techniques to negotiate with key stakeholders and drive positive outcomes is crucial. Experience in training, mentoring, or supporting veterinary professionals is highly desirable.
• Candidates must possess the ability to navigate complex issues with diplomacy and professionalism. We are looking for individuals who pride themselves on their ability to prioritise tasks effectively, managing their time and resources to achieve maximum results.

Does this sound like a great match of your skills?  We would love to hear from you!

Interviews will take place in our Blackfriars office in London - 18th or 29th November

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect