Head Veterinarian

LEAD VETERINARY CARE WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

As Head Veterinarian at SPCA Christchurch, you'll combine clinical expertise, veterinary leadership and animal welfare advocacy to influence the care of animals who have nowhere else to turn.

You'll lead and develop our veterinary team, provide clinical oversight across a diverse caseload, make complex veterinary and welfare decisions, and work alongside our Centre leadership, animal care, inspectorate and foster teams to improve outcomes for animals in our care.

You'll also have the opportunity to influence how veterinary services are delivered, drive continuous improvement and help shape the future of shelter medicine at SPCA.

• Head Veterinarian – SPCA Christchurch Centre
• Permanent - Part-Time
• 32 hours per week plus 11 hours every fifth weekend
• Competitive remuneration within the not-for-profit sector

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Veterinarians and the Head Veterinary Nurse.
• Provide clinical oversight and guidance across all hospital cases, treatment plans and veterinary decision-making.
• Ensure veterinary services align with SPCA animal welfare standards, legislative requirements and professional obligations.
• Oversee animal flow, welfare outcomes and resource utilisation to support the best possible outcomes for animals in care.
• Support workforce planning, rostering, budgeting and operational effectiveness across veterinary services.
• Partner closely with Centre leadership, veterinary nurses, inspectors, foster teams and animal care staff.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, policy development and best-practice approaches to shelter medicine.

To find out more about the role, click here to view the position description

ABOUT YOU
You're an experienced veterinarian and people leader who is passionate about animal welfare and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for animals in need. You enjoy developing others, influencing positive change and balancing clinical excellence with operational leadership.

What we're looking for

• Qualified Veterinarian with a current New Zealand practising certificate and at least 8 years' experience.
• Proven leadership experience developing and leading high-performing veterinary teams.
• Strong clinical expertise with the confidence to make complex animal welfare and veterinary decisions.
• Experience in operational management, budgeting and resource planning.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build strong professional relationships.
• Passion for animal welfare, shelter medicine and the mission and values of SPCA.

OUR PURRRKS
This is more than just a veterinary leadership role, it's an opportunity to influence animal welfare outcomes on a large scale and we want you to have the support, flexibility and resources to do your best work.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Paid birthday leave because your special day deserves to be yours!
• Up to $2,000 in Continuing Professional Development expenses reimbursed.
• 5 days of CPD leave per year (pro-rated based on hours worked).
• Reimbursement or payment of annual VIN, APC, and NZVA membership fees (after commencement).
• Exclusive employee discounts and benefits, including pet insurance and retail offers
• Access to 24/7 confidential wellness support
• Meaningful work that directly improves the lives of animals across New Zealand

HOW TO APPLY
If you're an experienced veterinarian looking for a leadership role where your clinical expertise can influence animal welfare on a much larger scale, we'd love to hear from you.

Click Apply Now and you'll be redirected to our careers page, where you can complete a few screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter. The application process is simple, takes just a few minutes, and could be the next step in your leadership journey with SPCA.

We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.