Job Description: Companion Animal Veterinarian 

Location: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Clinic: This clinic is a well-established companion animal practice in Hawke's Bay, renowned for delivering high-quality veterinary services to a diverse client base. Picture walking into a clinic where Mr Dennis Pumpernickel, the beloved clinic cat and self-appointed mental wellbeing officer, greets you each morning. This clinic has been building something genuinely special for over 80 years, with team members who have been together for 34 years (Amanda) and many others 25+ years. This clinic is Hawke's Bay locals who've created an extraordinary environment where colleagues naturally gather to share expertise on complex cases—because that's the culture. This clinic features state-of-the-art equipment including DR Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, digital microscopy, full in-house laboratory, and AI tools like SignalPet and Imagyst. What makes this clinic truly unique? This clinic is the only Gold Standard Cat Friendly Accredited clinic in Hawke's Bay, with purpose-built facilities including four spacious consulting rooms, a dedicated cat room, purpose-built ICU, hospital wards, Isolation Ward, Cattery, and I131 Treatment suite. 

The Role: This clinic is seeking an experienced Companion Animal Veterinarian – Team Leader to join the dynamic and friendly team in Hawke's Bay. This leadership role offers a balanced mix of clinical excellence and team mentorship in a supportive, collaborative environment, with opportunities to lead daily rounds, weekly meetings, and professional growth initiatives. You'll work closely with long-term clients (including third-generation families) and collaborate with a passionate, experienced team to deliver exceptional companion animal care in a rewarding, family-like setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing high-quality companion animal medicine, including consults, diagnostics, surgery, and treatments using state-of-the-art equipment and AI tools.
• Leading the team of Companion Animal Veterinarians through mentorship, daily rounds, and weekly meetings to share ideas and support growth.
• Building strong relationships with pet owners, personally following up after treatments, and advocating for patient care.
• Driving clinical excellence, encouraging team feedback, and celebrating milestones together.
• Participating in a fair weekend roster (two 4-hour clinic days every five weeks with time-in-lieu).
• Maintaining accurate records with AI scribing support to ensure genuine work-life balance.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Current veterinary registration in New Zealand (essential).
• Passion for companion animal medicine and partnership with pet owners.
• Leadership potential and genuine enthusiasm for mentoring others.
• Strong clinical skills with interest in developing areas of expertise.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills to engage with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, supportive team environment.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in companion animal leadership or strong desire to grow in this direction.
• Passion for cat-friendly practice and innovative tools like AI diagnostics.
• Enthusiasm for collaborative teamwork, continuous learning, and team celebrations.
• Commitment to values of professionalism, advocacy, communication, and teamwork.
• Interest in mentoring both new graduates and experienced vets in a family-like setting.

What the Clinic Offers:

• Competitive salary based on transparent tiers (benchmarked against BBVet annually), depending on experience and qualifications (pro-rata for part-time), with annual reviews for growth.
• No after-hours duty—finish by 5 or 5:30pm most days with AI scribing for notes.
• Flexible working arrangements: 3, 4, or 5 days per week to suit your life.
• Total Package: Southern Cross health coverage, uniform provision, up to $250 ex GST quarterly discount on services (or pet insurance equivalent), full NZVA Membership and Vet Council Registration paid, up to $2000 relocation package.
• Professional Growth: Full reimbursement of travel, accommodation, and meals for CPD; access to technical websites, webinars, and work-hour time when business allows.
• Work-Life Balance: Genuine support—no staying late, fair weekend roster, team support for difficult cases.
• Career Growth: Real mentorship from a collaborative team; develop in your areas of interest.
• Top-notch Veterinary Tools: DR Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, digital microscopy, in-house lab, AI (SignalPet, Imagyst), purpose-built facilities.

About Hawke's Bay: Hawke's Bay is located in the heart of New Zealand's stunning eastern region, known for its world-famous wineries, beautiful beaches, rolling landscapes, and strong community spirit. With easy access to outdoor adventures, vibrant local culture, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, it offers an ideal blend of professional opportunity and genuine work-life balance.

Note: Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Sponsorship may be available for the right candidate.

Please email dewehji.akran@gvcvets.com for any information or queries.