At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical standards and provide exceptional care for small animals.
- Company: Join Abivale Vets, a supportive and innovative veterinary group in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours with clear career progression and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree, RCVS registration, and significant experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon responsible for clinical standards, governance, and client care at the Wallingford site, with occasional shifts at other branches.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, you will be responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision‑making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working. Undertake day‑to‑day running of the branch, and be responsible for providing excellent client care and owning the surgery. Solo charge position, working under those conditions.
Flexibility with hours
The full‑time rota includes an average of 40 hours per week, with some weekend shifts – 2 Saturdays and 1 Sunday every 7 weeks. Bank holidays are on a rota basis. No out of hours or on‑call required. Part‑time applicants may be considered.
About Abivale
Our group consists of four surgeries in Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage. All sites are RCVS accredited and have an excellent range of equipment. A dedicated out‑of‑hours service supports all locations.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
- Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS, with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, advanced surgical and medical capability.
- Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues.
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills.
- Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.
- Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care.
How We’ll Support You
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles.
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role‑relevant courses.
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
- Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks.
- Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities.
- Collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays.
- Private medical insurance.
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy.
- BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees.
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies).
- Retail discounts and cashback offers.
- Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Wallingford employer: Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford
Abivale Vets in Oxfordshire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and professional development. With clear career pathways, generous benefits including 6.8 weeks of holiday, private medical insurance, and a dedicated Care Fund, we empower our Lead Veterinary Surgeons to excel in their roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care within a values-driven community.
Contact Detail:
Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Wallingford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best cases, leadership experiences, and any clinical governance initiatives you've led. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you can lead clinical standards and improve patient care, as these are key for the Lead Vet role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining Abivale Vets and being part of our community-focused culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Wallingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Vet role. Highlight your experience in clinical governance, leadership, and client care. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary medicine and how you can contribute to our team at Abivale. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a lead position, emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored colleagues or led initiatives that improved clinical standards. We love seeing examples of strong leadership!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around clinical standards and governance. Be prepared to discuss complex cases you've handled and how you’ve contributed to improving clinical quality in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've mentored or coached colleagues, and be ready to explain how you can lead a team effectively while maintaining high standards of patient care.
✨Understand the Practice's Values
Familiarise yourself with Abivale Vets' culture and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around community care and continuous improvement. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to clinical governance or how they support ongoing professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
