A leading animal welfare organisation in Melbourne is seeking an experienced veterinarian with a shelter medicine focus to lead their team.
This non-clinical, leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the future of shelter veterinary medicine, influence organisational strategy and lead a skilled veterinary team committed to achieving positive outcomes for animals.
This is a permanent full-time position with no weekends or after-hours and flexibility to work from home for around one day per week when undertaking strategic tasks.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working as part of the senior leadership team, the successful applicant will provide strategic and operational leadership across veterinary services within the organisation. The role will oversee the delivery of contemporary, evidence-based shelter medicine and support the ongoing development of high standards of animal welfare and clinical care.
Key responsibilities include leading and continually improving veterinary services, developing clinical standards and protocols, and establishing operational frameworks aligned with best-practice shelter medicine. The successful candidate will also drive improvements in population health, infectious disease prevention and capacity-to-care strategies, while providing expert guidance on complex medical, surgical and animal welfare matters.
This position will lead, coach and develop a passionate team of veterinarians, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, accountability and continuous improvement. The successful applicant will also contribute to organisational planning and strategic decision-making, while championing clinical governance, regulatory compliance and quality improvement across veterinary services.
Applicants must hold a Veterinary Science degree that is registrable in Victoria and have current, or be eligible for, registration as a veterinary practitioner. Significant experience in veterinary practice is required, together with advanced medical and surgical capability and demonstrated leadership experience within a complex, fast-paced veterinary or animal welfare environment.
The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of shelter medicine, population health, infectious disease management and animal welfare best practice. Experience leading and developing high-performing teams is essential, along with exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills. A collaborative leadership style and the ability to influence positive organisational outcomes will also be important. Postgraduate qualifications in Shelter Medicine, Population Health or Veterinary Public Health will be highly regarded.
The organisation offers extensive career development opportunities within a large open-intake shelter environment. Benefits include generous financial assistance and support for further study and professional development courses, as well as up to five days of study leave each year. Employees also have access to generous leave entitlements, an Employee Assistance Program, an onsite counselling service and discounts at the organisation’s veterinary clinic.
The employer is willing to assist with a work visa (sponsorship) for suitable overseas candidates. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent) and be eligible for registration as a veterinary practitioner in Australia.
The location offers the convenience and energy of inner-city living, with easy access to public transport, cafés, markets, green spaces and Melbourne’s CBD. It is a well-connected location for professionals who enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere while remaining close to the city’s cultural, dining and recreational attractions.
