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- Tasks: Join our Grimsby animal hospital as a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, leading a passionate team.
- Company: Blue Cross provides veterinary care for pets whose owners need financial support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38-43 days holiday, mental wellbeing programs, and free GP access.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be MRCVS with significant small animal practice experience; leadership skills are a plus.
- Other info: One-off £2,500 Recruitment & Retention Allowance available for new hires.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 67500 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, full time
Salary: £60,000 – £67,500 + One-off Recruitment & Retention Allowance of £2,500*
Location: Grimsby animal hospital
Closing date: Sunday 5 January 2025
Interviews: week commencing 6 January 2025
Are you a Senior Veterinary Surgeon looking for a contract where your work truly matters to our beloved people and pets? Or maybe you are already working at Blue Cross as a Veterinary Surgeon and are looking for a development opportunity to further develop your skills as a Senior Veterinary Surgeon? If the answer to either of these questions is a yes, then look no further!
We’re recruiting for a Senior Veterinary Surgeon to join Grimsby animal hospital. Blue Cross hospitals provide veterinary treatment for animals belonging to those people whose financial circumstances do not allow them to afford private veterinary care. The range of work our fantastic teams carry out goes above and beyond what is offered in first opinion private practice, and we offer a high-quality working environment with extensive onsite facilities including digital X-Ray, ultrasound, and endoscopy, we pride ourselves on offering an excellent level of care to our patients and their owners.
More about the role
We have a vacancy for a Senior Veterinary Surgeon to join the fantastic team at our Grimsby animal hospital. Applicants must be MRCVS and have demonstrable experience in a small animal practice. Many of our vets hold certificates or have special interests and are more than happy to share their knowledge and help you develop your clinical skills. Our hospitals see a high caseload of emergency and critical care cases, both surgical and medical, so good knowledge within those areas is essential.
We are looking for a vet with a caring attitude to animals and owners who will be able to communicate well with colleagues and clients. Together with our Senior Vet team you will be responsible for recruitment and effective line management of our team of vets, holding regular, supportive 1:1s and performance reviews. You will be supported by the Head Veterinary Surgeon, with whom you will be working closely.
Blue Cross has developed an award-winning set of clinical guidelines to assist our vets in pragmatic, evidence-based decision making, where patient welfare is a priority. High standards are important to us but so is the ability to reflect openly on cases, within a safe, non-judgmental environment.
We recognise that we work within a profession where compassion fatigue is a risk to us all. We have wellbeing champions and Mental Health First Aiders at all hospitals, coordinating a range of initiatives and promoting a culture of openness and support within the team.
This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week on a rota to include weekends and public holidays.
* For Veterinary Surgeons joining us at our Grimsby Animal Hospital, we offer a one-off £2,500 Recruitment & Retention Allowance, £1,250 included in the first, monthly salary payment and £1,250 on successful completion of probation.
About you
As a natural leader, you will have in-depth knowledge and experience and thrive on the successful development of your team. With excellent organisation skills you will be able to prioritise your own tasks and duties with the needs of the team, patients and clients in a professional, polite and patient manner.
Knowledge, skills, and experience
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Veterinary Degree and Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
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Significant experience in small animal practice
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
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The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values
Although not essential, it would be great if you also had:
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Previous experience in managing people and performance
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Experience of veterinary practice administration
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date Sunday 5 January 2025 .
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
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Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
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Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
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Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
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Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
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Health cash plan
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Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
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Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
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Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
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Life assurance
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20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
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Enhanced family friendly policies
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Recognition scheme
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Annual volunteer days
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Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Senior Veterinary Surgeon employer: Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in emergency and critical care cases during the interview. This role requires a strong background in these areas, so be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed or developed a team in the past. The ability to lead and support your colleagues is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with Blue Cross's values and clinical guidelines. Showing that you understand and align with their mission will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about patient welfare.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions about the support systems in place for staff wellbeing. Since compassion fatigue is a concern in the veterinary field, showing that you value mental health initiatives can demonstrate your commitment to a healthy work environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in small animal practice and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasize your MRCVS status and any special interests or certifications that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for veterinary care and your commitment to animal welfare. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and manage performance effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated with colleagues and clients in previous positions.
Highlight Team Development Experience: If you have experience in mentoring or developing team members, be sure to include this in your application. Discuss how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment and supported colleagues in their professional growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal welfare during the interview. Discuss specific experiences where you went above and beyond for pets and their owners, as this aligns with the values of Blue Cross.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, you'll be expected to lead and manage a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, including any performance reviews or mentoring experiences.
✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
Expect to discuss clinical cases during your interview. Brush up on emergency and critical care scenarios, and be ready to explain your decision-making process and how you prioritize patient welfare.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex veterinary topics. This will help demonstrate your ability to communicate well with colleagues and clients.
