Unlocking Your Potential: Associate Veterinary & Professional Affairs Manager (UK & IE) at Hill's Pet Nutrition
Are you a passionate veterinary professional seeking to elevate your career beyond traditional practice? The Associate Veterinary & Professional Affairs Manager (A-PVA-M) role at Hill's Pet Nutrition, a division of the globally renowned Colgate-Palmolive Company, presents an exceptional opportunity to merge your clinical expertise with strategic business leadership. This position, based in Surrey, England, is ideal for an ambitious individual eager to make a significant impact on animal health through education, innovation, and professional partnership.
The Opportunity at a Glance:
- A Strategic Leadership Role: This isn't just a technical role; it's a leadership position where you'll guide and develop a team of Professional Consulting Veterinarians (PCVs). Your strategic vision will be critical in executing the UK & IE Professional & Veterinary Affairs (PVA) strategy, driving veterinary recommendation and market share growth.
- Hybrid Veterinary & Business Focus: Operating at the intersection of veterinary science and commercial strategy, you will leverage your DVM qualification to provide crucial education, technical support, and business development insights to the entire veterinary profession—from practicing vets and students to nurses and receptionists. This role directly impacts the company's day-to-day performance.
- Global Brand, Local Impact: Join a household name like Colgate-Palmolive and contribute to Hill's Pet Nutrition, a brand dedicated to enriching the special relationships between people and their pets. You'll work with global brands and strategies, while having direct accountability and impact on the UK & IE market.
- Dynamic Learning & Growth Environment: Hill's Pet Nutrition is committed to the learning and development of its employees. Expect to refine your commercial mindset, gain new skills through cross-functional team exposure, and potentially develop your career internationally within a global company.
- Values-Driven Culture: Operate within a company guided by core values of Caring, Inclusivity, and Courageousness, fostering a culture that inspires collective achievement and a commitment to a healthier future for people, pets, and the planet.
Key Considerations for Candidates:
- Leadership & Coaching Responsibilities: A significant portion of this role involves managing, coaching, and developing a team of 2.5 PCVs. Experience in team leadership or a strong aptitude for it is essential, along with the ability to set objectives and track KPIs.
- Significant Travel Commitment: Expect up to 50% travel, which will involve engaging with veterinary corporates, practices, universities, and professional associations across the UK & IE. This role requires flexibility and a willingness to be on the road regularly.
- Hybrid Work Model: The position follows a hybrid work model, requiring in-office presence from Monday to Thursday, with Friday offering remote work flexibility. This structure blends collaborative office work with the convenience of working from home.
- Dual Role Aspect: While a leadership position, 20% of your time will be dedicated to supporting the Southeast and London sales team as a PCV. This "player-coach" aspect means you'll still have direct field engagement and provide hands-on technical support and coaching.
- Extensive Networking & Relationship Building: Success in this role hinges on your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders—including veterinary associations, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), specialists, and corporate head offices. Your existing network within the veterinary community will be a significant advantage.
- Balancing Clinical Expertise with Commercial Acumen: While a strong veterinary background (DVM or equivalent) is foundational, this role demands a robust commercial mindset. You'll be translating scientific knowledge into business growth strategies and educational programs.
Is This Your Next Career Move?
The ideal candidate will possess a DVM (or equivalent) with at least 4 years of experience in veterinary practice or a similar commercial role. Preferred qualifications include an MBA or a Diplomate in Internal Medicine or Nutrition, indicating a clear path for advanced professionals. Crucially, you should have a strong existing network within the veterinary community, an understanding of the pet food business, and experience in business or practice management. Fluency in English is required, with additional languages being a plus.
If you are an innovative and courageous veterinary professional looking to lead, educate, and drive growth within a caring global company, this Associate Veterinary & Professional Affairs Manager role offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career path. It's an opportunity to shape the future of pet nutrition and professional development across the UK & IE, backed by the resources and values of Colgate-Palmolive.