Director of Veterinary Services & Operations (Large Animal)

About the role

The Director of Veterinary Services & Operations (Large Animal) is the executive clinical authority and operational leader responsible for planning, designing, equipping and commissioning a world-class large animal medical center. The role combines advanced large animal clinical expertise with facility management, with full accountability for regulatory compliance, clinical governance and team leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the project lifecycle of the large animal hospital, from design and layout through to operational launch, and define its service scope (soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, internal medicine, digital imaging, sports medicine, rehabilitation, emergency services).
• Prepare business plans, feasibility studies, financial forecasts and operational delivery models, working with architects, contractors and medical consultants.
• Ensure compliance with UAE ministries, ADAFS and other regulators, manage inspections, licensing and approvals, and set biosecurity, waste management, radiation safety and infection control protocols.
• Specify, source and procure medical technology (digital imaging, surgical suites, laboratory equipment, ICU and recovery units), evaluate vendor proposals and oversee integration and calibration.
• Develop SOPs for admissions, emergency response, anesthesia, surgery and records, and build inventory systems, pharmacy controls and quality assurance guidelines.
• Recruit, onboard and mentor a clinical and administrative team, and build referral networks with equestrian clubs, stables, breeders and research institutes.
• Manage CapEx and OpEx budgets and maintain cost efficiency.

Required profile

• DVM or international equivalent; clinical specialization in Medicine or Surgery strongly preferred.
• Post-graduate specialization or board certification (e.g. DACVS, DECVS, DACVIM) in Large Animal Surgery/Medicine strongly preferred.
• 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in veterinary practice and clinical leadership.
• Proven track record of setting up, commissioning or managing a hospital or major veterinary facility.
• Experience in medical equipment procurement, vendor evaluation and facility layout design.
• Deep understanding of GCC/UAE industry dynamics, regulatory frameworks and licensing authorities (ADAFSA/MOEI).

Required skills

• Professional certifications in Project Management (PMP), healthcare/hospital management or clinical leadership.
• Advanced clinical knowledge of medicine, diagnostics and surgical operations.
• Budgeting, project execution and technical stakeholder management.
• Leadership of multi-disciplinary clinical teams.