Are you an experienced Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian ready to lead and inspire a high-performing team?
Do you thrive in a role where you can shape clinical excellence while continuing to practice emergency medicine?
Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Essendon Fields is one of Melbourne's premier multidisciplinary referral hospitals, delivering exceptional specialist and emergency care across a broad range of disciplines. We are seeking an experienced ECC Veterinary Manager in leading and developing our busy emergency service.
This is an outstanding opportunity to combine frontline clinical work with leadership, mentoring and operational management, helping shape the future of one of Melbourne's leading emergency teams and working alongside our criticalist! Our site has 7 Specialists (including an ECC Specialist), 2 Registrars, 12 Membership-qualified Emergency Veterinarians and an amazing nursing team.
This is a 12-month maternity leave contract, commencing in November 2026, with the opportunity to transition into an ongoing leadership position beyond the initial contract. If you're available to start sooner, we'd love to chat. We are open to bringing the successful candidate on board earlier in a Senior Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarian role, allowing you to integrate with the team and hospital before stepping into the leadership position in November.
Why Join ARH Essendon Fields?
- No full overnight shifts required. Enjoy a predominantly Monday-Friday leadership schedule, complemented by some evening and weekend clinical coverage.
- Flexible working arrangements. We're happy to discuss start and finish times that suit your lifestyle while supporting the needs of the hospital.
- The perfect balance of leadership and clinical practice. Spend approximately 50% of your time leading and developing the department, while maintaining your emergency and critical care skills on the floor.
- Work alongside an exceptional multidisciplinary team. Collaborate daily with experienced emergency veterinarians, specialists, interns, nurses and support staff who are committed to delivering outstanding patient care.
- Influence the future of the department. Play a key role in mentoring veterinarians, driving clinical standards and fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.
About the Role
- Leading, mentoring and supporting the ECC veterinary team.
- Assisting with rostering, leave management and workforce planning.
- Promoting clinical excellence and maintaining high standards of patient care.
- Collaborating with specialists, referring veterinarians and hospital leadership.
- Supporting client communication and complex case management.
- Identifying opportunities to improve workflows, processes and team development.
- Providing clinical emergency care within a supportive multidisciplinary environment.
About You
- Veterinary degree eligible for registration in Victoria.
- Demonstrated leadership experience within an Emergency & Critical Care or referral environment.
- Strong communication, organisational and people management skills.
- A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring and developing others.
- Membership of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ECC) or an equivalent international qualification.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable
- Previous leadership or management training.
- Experience using RxWorks and Smartflow.
What We Offer
- Leadership position with flexible working arrangements.
- Competitive salary package tailored to your experience and leadership capability.
- Paid parental leave and return-to-work support.
- Pet care discounts through Petbarn.
- Discounts across health insurance, retail and lifestyle providers through Flare HR.
- Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your immediate family.
Professional Development Without Limits
At ARH Essendon Fields, we're passionate about helping our veterinarians build rewarding long-term careers.
You'll enjoy:
- Your choice of AVA membership or Veterinary Board registration.
- Access to premium learning resources including VIN, VetFolio, VECCS, Vetstream, Wiley, Plumb's, DoveLewis, Elsevier and Vet Webinar.
- Complimentary monthly ECC education webinars.
- Access to VetEducation short courses and modular learning programs.
- Genuine investment in your continuing education with no capped CE allowance - we'll work with you to support your professional goals.
Considering Relocating?
Located just minutes from Melbourne Airport and only 15 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, Essendon Fields offers the perfect combination of convenience, connectivity and lifestyle.
Enjoy:
- Easy access to the city, airport and major freeways.
- Excellent cafés, restaurants and shopping nearby.
- Beautiful parks, cycling trails and family-friendly neighbourhoods.
- A central location that makes commuting from across Melbourne simple.
- Relocation assistance and local support to help you settle into your new role and community.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For a confidential discussion or to learn more about this opportunity, please contact:
Reach out to Apollonia on 0416 176 475 or [email protected]
#ARH