Referral Veterinary Clinician - Head of Laboratory Services

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Donnington Grove Veterinary Group are welcoming applications from boarded and board-eligible Internal Medicine/Pathology clinicians to join the senior leadership team as the new Head of Laboratory Services. This is an exciting new role to grow the laboratory service both in house and to our referral practices at our Leading Equine Hospital based in Newbury, West Berkshire.

Newbury is a thriving market town with good train links to London. The Practice is based in a semi-rural location with good access to open countryside.

We are a busy Equine and Small Animal practice running laboratory tests in key diagnostic areas including haematology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology, microbiology, serology and molecular diagnostics.

The role would involve leading a team of Laboratory Technicians to deliver a first class service to our team of 50 Veterinary Surgeons and our wider referral network. Our ambition is to grow the services that we provide and we aim to become the Laboratory of choice within the IVC Evidensia Group. The successful candidate will be involved in the development of the portfolio of tests and ensuring that the Laboratory is up to date in terms of equipment and working practices.

Experience in leading teams is essential as we are committed to developing our in-house team, encouraging individuals to expand their knowledge, and to drive a strong team-working ethic. We want to maintain an inclusive environment where everyone is engaged in the future plans of the Laboratory.

• Previous experience within a busy veterinary laboratory handling equine samples, and/or clinical setting
• An MRCVS qualification who is board eligible or has obtained Specialist Status in Internal Medicine or Pathology.
• Good communication and line management experience

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from work‑life balance, holiday, wellbeing and development.

• 6.6 weeks annual leave, increasing holiday allowance based on length of service, birthday paid day off
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym membership, non‑accidental injury support
• Excellent CPD allowance & enhanced leave, learning & development via the IVC Evidensia Academy, access to Vetlexicon, all vets & nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme
• VDS cover, RCVS fees
• Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension – 5% employee / 3% employer, discounted staff pet care

£80,000 – £120,000 a year, Salary up to £120k DOE

If you would like to apply, please send your covering letter and current CV to

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgement. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.