Animal Emergency Centre (AEC) Frankston is seeking an experienced and values-driven Veterinary Director to lead our emergency hospital into its next chapter.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the clinical, strategic and operational direction of the clinic. You’ll be supported by an experienced Business Manager and a dedicated nursing and veterinary team, with the opportunity to shape culture, strengthen referral relationships and drive excellence in emergency care.

About the role

As Veterinary Director, you’ll lead the delivery of exceptional emergency and referral care while fostering a positive, accountable and high-performing team culture.

You’ll balance clinical leadership with strategic oversight, ensuring AEC Frankston is the referral hospital of choice for general practice veterinarians and the practice of choice for clients, patients and team members.

This position reports to the Business Manager and works closely with senior leadership to achieve operational, financial and strategic objectives.

What you’ll be responsible for

Clinical & patient care leadership

• Practising high-quality emergency medicine and surgery
• Leading clinical governance, audit and safety frameworks
• Developing and reviewing clinical protocols and service offerings
• Promoting evidence-based medicine, case discussion and peer learning
• Prioritising structured continuing education for the veterinary team

Practice culture & leadership

• Building a positive, accountable and high-performance culture
• Role modelling AEC values, professionalism and ethical standards
• Providing clear strategic direction for the clinic
• Delivering constructive feedback and driving continuous improvement

Referring veterinarian relationships

• Acting as a key clinical liaison for referring veterinarian
• Ensuring timely, professional communication on referred cases
• Participating in education sessions and engagement activities
• Welcoming and actioning feedback from referring clinics

People & performance management

• Recruitment, onboarding and mentoring of veterinarians
• Conducting structured one-on-ones and biannual PDRs
• Supporting team wellbeing and addressing performance concerns
• Workforce planning in partnership with the Business Manager

Financial, operational & strategic leadership

• Monitoring KPIs including productivity, revenue and quality metrics
• Contributing to budget planning and expenditure oversight
• Supporting smooth day-to-day operations and rostering oversight
• Leading clinic-level strategic initiatives aligned with group strategy

About you

• Veterinary degree registrable in Australia
• Experience in emergency and/or referral practice
• Demonstrated leadership capability within a veterinary setting
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of KPIs and operational drivers

You’re someone who genuinely enjoys mentoring others, building strong relationships with referring veterinarians and creating a workplace where people feel supported and proud of the care they deliver.

Why join AEC Frankston?

• A well-established emergency hospital with strong referral networks
• Support from experienced business leadership
• Opportunity to shape culture and clinical direction
• Access to ongoing professional development A leadership role with genuine influence across strategy and growth

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, both clinically and culturally, within a growing emergency and referral network.

If you’re ready to lead with integrity, collaboration and clinical excellence, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact [email protected] | 0449 790 813

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