Welcome to a new series of articles from Noble Futures, where we explore the diverse career options available to veterinarians looking to diversify their skills and experience beyond traditional clinical practice. In this, our first article, we’ll share more about the rewarding role of a Veterinary Technical Advisor, specifically within the large and farm animal sector.

What Does a Technical Advisor Do?

As a Technical Advisor, you’ll leverage your veterinary expertise to support companies’ sales, marketing, and research and development teams specialising in animal health products. These products can range from pharmaceuticals and vaccines to nutritional supplements and diagnostic tools. Your role will be pivotal in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application.

Typical Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Providing Technical Support: You’ll be the go-to expert for internal teams and external clients (farmers, veterinarians, distributors) on product usage, efficacy, and safety.¹ This might involve answering technical queries, conducting training sessions, and creating educational materials.
• Sales and Marketing Support: You’ll collaborate with sales representatives to provide technical expertise during client visits, helping to explain complex product information and build trust.² You may also contribute to the development of marketing materials and participate in industry events.³
• Research and Development: You could be involved in clinical trials, providing feedback on product development, and monitoring adverse events. Your veterinary insights are invaluable in ensuring products are safe and effective.
• Regulatory Compliance: It is crucial to ensure that all product information and promotional materials comply with relevant regulations. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date with industry standards.
• Building Relationships: Technical advisors build strong relationships with key opinion leaders, industry stakeholders and customers.

A Different Life Balance and Professional Growth:

One of the most appealing aspects of a Technical Advisor role is the potential for improved work-life balance. While the role can be demanding, it typically offers more predictable office hours and less on-call responsibility compared to clinical practice. Beyond the option for an improved life balance, this role provides the opportunity to continue to utilise your valuable veterinary knowledge in a different setting. Many companies recognise the importance of maintaining your professional standing, often providing support for your MRCVS registration and offering generous CPD allowances. This ensures you stay at the forefront of veterinary advancements and enhance your expertise. You’ll also likely find yourself working within a varied team environment, which can provide a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Salary Expectations:

In the UK and Ireland, a Technical Advisor role for a large animal veterinarian can offer a competitive salary. Entry-level positions may start around £45,000, while more experienced professionals can earn upwards of £50,000 to £70,000 or more, depending on experience, company size, and location. In Europe, salaries can vary but generally align with these figures, with potential variations based on local market conditions and cost of living.

Considering a Career Move?

If you’re a large animal veterinarian looking for a rewarding career outside of clinical practice, a Technical Advisor role could offer the perfect blend of professional fulfilment and improved work-life balance.

Want to explore more diversification opportunities?

If you’d like to know more about diversification opportunities for veterinary careers, please contact the Noble Futures team at +44 161 820 3510 or email us at vacancies@noble-futures.com. We’re here to help you navigate your career journey.