Director Talent Acquisition

About MVH Europe:

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) is a global division of Mars Petcare, part of by the wider Mars Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. It is dedicated to delivering high-quality pet healthcare in service of its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

The MVH family of businesses—including AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospital, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Linnaeus, Mount Pleasant Veterinary Group, VCA Animal Hospitals, VES Singapore, VSH Hong Kong, Tai Wai Animal Hospital, and others—includes more than 70,000 Associates across North America, Europe, and Asia who demonstrate compassion and expertise in caring for over 10 million pets each year. Learn more at marsveterinary.com.

 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 19 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.

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.

Role Overview:

The Director, Talent Acquisition is responsible for leading and delivering an integrated, scalable, and future‑ready Talent Acquisition strategy across MVH Europe. The role ensures MVH Europe is positioned as an employer of choice for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and critical support roles, while delivering high‑quality, efficient, and data‑driven hiring outcomes across multiple countries

The role combines strategic leadership with operational excellence, overseeing end‑to‑end recruitment delivery, TA infrastructure, employer branding, and closely collaborating on workforce planning. It partners closely with senior business, Operations, and People & Organization (P&O) leaders to ensure talent strategies are aligned to Associate engagement, business growth, patient care quality, and long‑term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition Strategy & Delivery

• Develop and execute TA strategies that support high‑volume, multi‑site hiring needs across MVH Europe hospitals and clinics.

• Lead workforce and resourcing plans aligned to business growth, seasonal demand, and market dynamics.

• Design and implement hybrid resourcing models linked to demand, including internal recruiters, contractors, and external partners.

• Partner and collaborate with TA peers around the European Mars ecosystem to align on processes, Improvements and represent the MVH Europe Interests and needs.

• Act as a trusted advisor to Senior Leaders on labour market trends, talent availability, and hiring risks.

Operating Model, Infrastructure & Governance

• Unify a currently fragmented country‑specific TA approaches into a consistent, scalable, and efficient cross‑market operating model.

• Design and oversee TA infrastructure, including processes, governance frameworks, and technology stack (ATS, reporting, and tools).

• Establish standard work, service models, and clear accountability across regional and local TA teams.

• Define and track TA performance metrics, dashboards, and continuous improvement loops.

• Partner with other Talent pillars on Integrated talent pipelines, processes and projects e.g. Internal bench strength for succession.

Employer Branding & Strategic Sourcing

• Lead the positioning of MVH Europe as an employer of choice within the veterinary ecosystem.

• In collaboration with the Medical team, oversee employer branding initiatives including veterinary school partnerships, professional body engagements, student pipelines, events, digital and social recruiting platforms.

• Drive innovative sourcing strategies for licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, and difficult‑to‑hire roles.

• Partner with internal stakeholders to strengthen EVP alignment across markets.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of TA professionals, setting priorities and driving high performance.

• Build capability across sourcing, selection, stakeholder management, and data‑driven decision‑making.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning within the TA function.

Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement

• Analyse TA data and market insights to assess effectiveness, identify risks, and inform strategic decisions.

• Use data to optimise candidate experience, time‑to‑hire, quality of hire, and cost effectiveness.

Summary of the Role:

·   Job Title: Director Talent Acquisition

• Department: People and Organization

• Reports To: Senior Talent Director

• Location: Amsterdam

• Contract: Full-time

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

• Direct reports: 5 to 7

• Indirect reports c.25

Education & Professional Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business, or a related field

Experience:

·        15+ years of experience in recruitment, talent acquisition, or a combination of TA, operations, and P&O roles.

·        Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with accountability for TA strategy, operating models, and EVP.

·        Proven experience leading TA in fast‑paced, multi‑site, or healthcare, veterinary, retail, or service‑based environments.

·        Strong track record of building and scaling TA functions across multiple countries.

·        Demonstrated success in attracting senior leadership and scarce professional talent.

·        Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation skills.

·        High level of proficiency with ATS platforms, recruitment analytics, and TA reporting.

·        Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands‑on where needed.

Key Competencies:

·        Builds Effective Teams

·        Strategic Thinking

·        Drives Results

·        Collaborates

·        Customer Focus

·        Plans & Aligns

·        Communicates Effectively.

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.

Interested?

Please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruitment Partner 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.

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

Internal Candidates/Associates: If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to understand the internal recruitment