ABOUT THE ROLE
SPCA is one of New Zealand's most trusted charities, working to improve animal welfare and advocate for animals in need. Every day, our veterinary teams play a critical role in delivering life-changing care to animals across New Zealand. That's why we're looking for an experienced and compassionate Head Veterinarian to lead our Christchurch veterinary team and help shape the future of shelter medicine and animal welfare.
- Head Veterinarian – SPCA Christchurch Centre
- Permanent - Part-Time
- 32 hours per week plus 11 hours every fifth weekend
As Head Veterinarian, you'll provide clinical leadership and strategic direction across our veterinary services, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, veterinary care and professional practice. This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on veterinary work with people leadership, operational oversight and organisational influence in a role that directly impacts the lives of thousands of animals each year.
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 while helping shape the future of veterinary care within one of New Zealand's most respected animal welfare organisations.
Here's what else you can look forward to:
- Paid birthday leave, it’s our way of celebrating you!
- 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
We're looking for a veterinarian who wants to use their expertise to make a lasting impact on animal welfare. If this sounds like you, 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.
