About Mars Veterinary Health

Mars Veterinary Health is a global division within Mars Petcare, with the sole objective of advancing the veterinary profession for the health and wellbeing of people, pets and planet. Through our network of 3,000 veterinary clinics worldwide, nearly 70,000 passionate, pet-loving Associates are committed to helping us achieve our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

Mars Veterinary Health touches the lives of more pets in more places than any other veterinary organization. We are dedicated to fulfilling our Purpose and building a brighter, stronger future for the veterinary profession.

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe and Rapid Growth Markets (RGM)

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing. We believe our purpose — to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS — starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

This role will also support selected high-growth RGM markets, including Japan, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Although these markets are currently smaller in scale, they represent key strategic growth areas for Mars Veterinary Health. The role will provide centralized REFM support to ensure consistent governance, supplier management, Health & Safety alignment, and operational standards across all locations as the network continues to expand.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Site, Health, Safety, Risk & Security (SHSRS) to provide leadership, guidance, and expertise across Health, Safety, Security, and Risk management for Mars Veterinary Health Europe.

As a senior leader within the business, this role will be responsible for developing, owning, and delivering the strategic plan for safety and risk management across the MVH Europe group.

The role will focus on developing and implementing a comprehensive risk management strategy that equips the business with the tools, governance, and frameworks required to achieve excellent safety performance and legal compliance.

This position plays a critical role in strengthening and maintaining a proactive safety culture that becomes a source of pride across the organization.

Working closely with Central Operations and Operating Units, the Director of SHSRS will support a network of more than 800 clinics and hospitals, ensuring proactive management of Health, Safety, Risk, and Security while driving operational synergies through standardized processes and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver the strategic plan for the management of Health, Safety, Security, and Risk across the group.

• Ensure suitable corporate governance structures are in place for safety and security risk management across all operating entities.

• Provide leadership, expertise, and tools to ensure statutory legal compliance across multiple European jurisdictions.

• Act as the strategic lead on all Health, Safety, Security, and Risk matters.

• Partner closely with senior leaders across the business to position safety and security as a top organizational priority.

• Champion and strengthen a positive Health & Safety culture throughout the group.

• Provide expert guidance on the interpretation and application of Health & Safety legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive and effective Safety Management System.

• Build, lead, and develop a team of Safety Managers, Safety Champions, and Safety & Facilities Leads to support delivery of the strategic roadmap.

• Develop and implement sophisticated reporting frameworks and compliance dashboards that provide meaningful business intelligence and support informed decision-making.

• Lead and oversee risk management activities relating to compliance audits, including Fire Risk Assessments, enforcing authority visits, inspections, and intervention processes.

• Ensure timely delivery and implementation of corrective and preventive actions across all compliance areas.

• Collaborate closely with wider MVH and Mars global safety and security functions to share best practices and align on industry-wide initiatives.

• Lead and develop a central support team of safety professionals who are empowered, capable, and passionate about driving a strong and proactive safety culture.

Summary of the Role:

• Job Title: Director of Site, Health, Safety, Risk & Security (SHSRS)

• Department: Real Estate and Facilities Management (REFM)

• Team Direct Reports: 6

• Reports To: Senior Director, REFM

• Location: Netherlands preferred / Madrid / Munich

• Contract: Full-time

• Languages: Fluency in English (additional European languages are a plus)

Qualifications & Experience:

• 10+ years of experience as a senior Health & Safety leader or Responsible Person within a complex, multi-site organization.

• Demonstrated experience managing large portfolios and operations across multiple countries.

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and Chartered IOSH membership (or equivalent) — mandatory.

• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, compliance, governance, and risk management frameworks.

• Proven experience developing and implementing strategic safety programs and operating models.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.

• Strong analytical capability with experience interpreting, presenting, and utilizing complex operational and compliance data.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage challenging situations in a calm and structured manner.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Skilled negotiator and influencer with a results-driven mindset.

• Comfortable working within complex matrix organizations and international environments.

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.

Key Supporting Competencies:

• Organizational Agility: Able to effectively navigate and influence complex international matrix organizations.

• Business Acumen: Understands operational risk and aligns safety strategy with business performance and compliance goals.

• Managing Vision & Purpose: Inspires a strong, proactive safety culture with clear vision and accountability across all levels.

• Perspective: Balances strategic and operational priorities to make sound, risk-informed decisions across diverse markets.

Our offer:

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package

• A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development

• Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence

• Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment

• Learning and development opportunities

• The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4-legged friends in our offices.

• We are always open for a conversation to discuss your individual needs.

If this sounds like you:

Please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through clicking the apply button below.

AniCura is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.