University of Queensland - Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Director Hospital Operations and Business Development

The Organisation

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities and a member of the Group of Eight. It consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities and is recognised for excellence in teaching, research, and engagement with industry and the broader community.

Within UQ, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital plays a pivotal role in supporting world-class veterinary education, applied research outcomes, and high-quality clinical services for animals. The hospital operates at the intersection of education, research, and commercial service delivery, providing a critical platform for experiential learning for veterinary students while delivering expert animal care to the community.

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is a complex, multi-disciplinary operation, encompassing clinical services across companion animals, livestock, and specialty areas, alongside teaching programs, research activity, and commercial partnerships. As such, the hospital requires strong executive leadership to ensure that operational excellence, financial sustainability, and academic objectives are aligned and mutually reinforcing.

The Role

Reporting into senior faculty leadership, the Director, Hospital Operations and Business Development is responsible for the strategic, operational and commercial leadership of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The role carries end-to-end accountability for hospital performance, including service quality, financial outcomes, workforce capability, infrastructure and the development of new revenue streams and partnerships.

A core focus of the role is to ensure that the hospital operates efficiently and sustainably while maintaining the highest standards of clinical care and educational outcomes. This includes oversight of hospital operations, systems and processes, clinician and professional staff engagement, risk management, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

In parallel, the Director leads business development and growth initiatives, identifying opportunities to expand clinical services, develop strategic partnerships with industry and government and enhance the hospital’s commercial and reputational standing.

The Director works closely with faculty leadership, academic colleagues and external stakeholders to ensure the hospital’s offerings remain contemporary, competitive, and aligned with UQ’s broader strategic priorities.

The Person

This senior leadership position requires an accomplished and commercially astute leader with a strong track record in managing complex, service­based operations and driving sustainable commercial outcomes. While experience in veterinary or health­related environments is advantageous, UQ welcomes candidates with transferable leadership and operational expertise from related sectors.

The successful candidate will demonstrate proven experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams, strong financial and commercial acumen including budget and P&L responsibility and the ability to develop and execute strategy within a complex organisational environment. A background in business development, partnerships, or growth initiatives, coupled with excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, is essential. Business Management qualifications are required, and a degree in Veterinary Science (or equivalent, registrable in Queensland) is desirable but not essential.

Above all, UQ seeks a collaborative, values­driven leader who brings credibility, energy, and a strong commitment to excellence in service delivery, education, and continuous improvement.

How to Apply

The University is partnering with Odgers Executive Search.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact the consultants leading the search: Angela Bull on +61 432 842 508 at angela.bull@odgers.com or Jenny Sutton at jenny.sutton@odgers.com.

Applications will close on Friday 5 June 2026 and should be submitted via the Odgers website www.odgers.com/95969.