Veterinary Technical Manager

Eville & Jones (E&J) are the leading supplier of veterinary controls, committed to the safeguarding of public health and maintaining the food supply chain through all our essential activities, while ensuring the protection of animal welfare.

We are looking for an individual with strong veterinary leadership, who is able to think strategically, defend difficult decisions, and positively promote the veterinary role both within Eville and Jones and externally.

As a Veterinary Technical Manager you will take responsibility for Eville & Jones' service delivery within the Lincoln/Grantham/Northampton/Leicester/Luton/Oxford area by providing technical leadership to ensure the efficient and consistent delivery of Eville & Jones contractual responsibilities.

Working within the Operations Team the role ensures the consistent, accurate and timely veterinary and technical delivery, advice, support and decisions to Official Veterinarians/Meat Hygiene Inspectors/ Plant Inspection Assistants/Export Official Veterinarians/Certified Support Officers, internal and external stakeholders. To build and manage effective relationships with stakeholders.

What your responsibilities will be:

• The VTM will work with the operational teams within the area to promote the Core Values of the Company and instil a sense of teamwork and family atmosphere.


• The VTM will meet with other Eville & Jones' management as required to extend and improve technical and contractual service delivery.


• The VTM will visit the OVs/MHIs, EOVs/CSOs within his/her area at a frequency stated by the Area Manager. During the visit any technical problems will be discussed with the OV and relevant staff and a check will be made to ensure operational paperwork is satisfactory and that relations with the customer staff are good.


• The VTM will ensure that the OV is carrying out his/her duties in full compliance with the relevant Technical Guide/Manual. Any deviations from this procedure will be rectified immediately.


• The VTM will carry out an audit of the premises as required in order to ensure that the FBO controls are in place and the OV is ensuring compliance. Any technical queries from the OVs will be directed initially through the ATM and referred on to the Area Manager/Portfolio Lead in cases where any doubt remains.


• The VTM will review all documented enforcement action to ensure appropriateness of response and technical/legal soundness.


• The VTM will undertake a full technical review of all OV monthly reports and supporting documentation/technical returns to ensure thorough and accurate completion. The review will include cross-referencing of any periodic returns relating to a particular establishment within the VTMs area of responsibility to ensure plant- specific issues are consistently reported and that all outstanding legal contraventions are progressed in a timely manner within the recognised hierarchy of enforcement action.


• The VTM will undertake a full technical review of a random number of export certification and supporting documentation/technical returns to ensure thorough and accurate completion.


• The VTM will liaise closely with their respective team members to ensure that all issues highlighted as part of the review are corrected.


• The VTM will integrate within technical portfolio networks. Establish and maintain productive working relationships with all stakeholders across the area (including FSA local, local Export customers, Food Business Operators (FBOs), other government departments and Local Authorities). Collaborate with these when required to share information and technical support.
  
  Excellent time management and organisational skills


• Self-motivating, proactive and target driven


• A passionate desire to succeed and deliver excellent results


• A winning and can-do mentality


• The ability to overcome obstacles and be persistent


• Excellent communication skills


• Accessible and Friendly


• Bold and creative to make changes


• One Team. Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another.


Your Skills and Capabilities:

• Sound knowledge of the relevant veterinary regulatory framework (e.g. public health and/or animal welfare)


• Ability to understand and apply veterinary risk assessment


• Audit experience


• One to one training


• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels


• Sound time management


• Good interpersonal skills


• Excellent relationship management


• Influencing employees at all levels to support your decisions and proposed plans


• Computer skills and knowledge of office software packages


Your Qualifications:

• Veterinary degree aligned to the Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon


• Official Control Qualification, OCQ (V)/LV


• HACCP training


• 2 years' experience as FSA OV and/or Export OV desirable


• Driving licence
  
  Attractive salary (DOE)


• Permanent contract


• Pension Scheme


• Company car


• Career progression opportunities


• 23 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays) rising up to 25 days


• Personal Accident Insurance