Veterinary Surgeon

Wareham Full-Time 42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Tempus Recruitment. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

The Package

6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays
£1750 CPD Allowance per annum
Health Shield – wide ranging contributions for health and wellbeingtreatments – from dentistry to sports massage
RCVS Membership paid
Two other membership subscriptions
VDS cover
Enhanced paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and surrogacy pay
Discounted veterinary fees
My Perks – offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel, entertainment and much more
Cycle to Work scheme
CPD/training support
Company sick pay
Colleague engagement survey
Annual pay reviews
Focus on employee wellbeing
Career progression opportunities

Job Description

A rare opportunity has become available for an experienced small animal vet to step into a leadership position as Head Veterinary Surgeon at two well-established branches located in the heart of the scenic Purbeck region. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys both collaborative work and independent practice, with a desire to influence clinical standards, mentor a growing team, and lead the day-to-day operations of two community-focused clinics.

This is a flexible, part- or full-time role, based across two sites—one in a charming coastal town and the other in a lively market town. The standard full-time schedule consists of a four-day week with the same day off weekly, though this can be adapted to accommodate family-friendly hours or alternative preferences. There is no out-of-hours requirement thanks to collaboration with an external emergency service provider, allowing continuity of patient care without compromising your own work-life balance. Saturday mornings are shared on a rota and finish by 12:30pm.

The successful candidate will bring strong clinical experience, ideally in small animal practice, and a passion for mentoring colleagues. As Head Vet, you will guide and support your veterinary team, lead team meetings, manage the vet rota, collaborate closely with the Branch Lead Nurse, and help to resolve clinical queries and issues as they arise. Your voice will be valued in monthly leadership meetings where your insights will shape branch development, clinical direction, and overall culture.

This role combines clinical responsibilities with strategic oversight and offers plenty of scope for continued personal development. You’ll be supported by a leadership team including Advanced Practitioners and colleagues who prioritise teamwork, respect, and open communication. There is also the opportunity to influence future planning and business growth, all while being part of a team that genuinely cares for each other, their clients, and the animals they serve.

You will ideally have experience in a leadership or mentoring role, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and professionally. You should be confident with routine surgery and consultations, but more importantly, you’ll value collaboration and kindness in the workplace.

The surrounding area offers a truly enviable lifestyle. Dorset is rich with natural beauty, from dramatic coastlines and sandy beaches to peaceful woodlands and rolling countryside. The area boasts excellent opportunities for outdoor adventure, historic landmarks, vibrant local communities, and good transport links, including direct trains to London.

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to lead with purpose, grow your career, and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. If you’re ready to take the next step into leadership, all while being supported by a friendly, inclusive, and experienced team, we’d love to hear from you.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Health Care Provider
Industries

Veterinary Services

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