£70,000 to £80,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus benefits and relocation support of up to £5,000 for eligible direct candidates.
Full Time
Part Time
You must currently have the right to work in UK.
Lead clinically while staying hands-on with surgery and consultations
Shape standards, mentor colleagues and influence how the practice develops
Enjoy a four-day week, no on-call and London less than 20 minutes away
Step into a genuine clinical leadership role without leaving hands-on practice behind. You’ll shape standards, mentor colleagues and work alongside an experienced team while keeping a varied consulting and surgical caseload. With strong nursing support, visiting clinical expertise, a four-day week and no on-call, there is room to lead well and still enjoy being a vet.
About us
At Blythwood Vets, you will join a long-established first opinion small animal practice where clinical standards, collaboration and continuity of care matter. Our main clinical hubs are in Bushey and Hatch End, supported by an experienced team of Veterinary Surgeons, RVNs and client care colleagues who know the practice and its clients well.
Our nurses take an active role in patient care and inpatient monitoring, while vets are encouraged to discuss cases, share knowledge and ask for another perspective when it will improve the outcome. Visiting expertise in ultrasonography and orthopaedics adds another layer of support for more complex cases, and a high proportion of insured patients gives you scope to investigate and manage cases thoroughly.
The atmosphere is professional without being stiff. This is a sociable team that takes its medicine seriously, enjoys working together and wants its next clinical leader to add to that culture rather than simply manage it.
Really good experience with the vet we saw. He suggested a diet change before going ahead with expensive tests. The reception team were also lovely. – Helen Phillips – Google Review
About this role
This is a genuine clinical leadership role for an experienced vet who wants more influence without giving up the hands‑on work that made them choose veterinary medicine in the first place.
Working mainly across Bushey and Hatch End, you will partner with the Directors to shape clinical standards, support the development of colleagues and identify practical ways to improve how the practice works. You will have room to bring ideas forward, help refine protocols and turn good clinical discussions into meaningful change.
You will also remain firmly part of the clinical team. The caseload is approximately 40% consulting and 60% surgery, giving you substantial time with patients while you mentor colleagues and help guide the wider team.
Previous Lead Vet experience is not essential. If you are already the person colleagues turn to for advice, regularly mentor others or naturally take responsibility for clinical standards, this could be the right next step.
About you
You will suit this role if you are an experienced, confident clinician who enjoys helping other people do their best work. You will be comfortable making decisions, open to discussing cases and approachable enough that colleagues feel able to bring questions and ideas to you.
You will also bring:
- A collaborative, positive leadership style
- Confidence across a varied first opinion consulting and surgical caseload
- Strong communication skills with both clients and colleagues
- A genuine interest in mentoring, coaching and developing others
- The initiative to identify opportunities for improvement and help make them happen
- Previous line management, mentoring or clinical leadership experience, highly desirable
- At least five years of small animal veterinary experience, ideally within UK practice
Bushey gives you a quieter, greener base while keeping London within easy reach. The area has a village feel, independent cafés, green spaces and a strong local community, while Watford is only minutes away for shopping, restaurants and leisure.
Watford Junction offers direct trains into central London in under 20 minutes, making the area a practical option if you want more space without losing easy access to the city. Relocation support of up to £5,000 is available for eligible direct candidates.
Our offer
The salary is £70,000 to £80,000 per annum, depending on experience.
The full‑time roster is 40 hours across four days, with one in three Saturdays, one in six full weekends and no on‑call. Part‑time applications are also considered.
You will also receive:
- Five weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays and your birthday off, pro rata for part‑time
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Funded external CPD and access to Linnaeus online CPD
- Career progression opportunities across the wider Linnaeus network
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Employee assistance and wider wellbeing support
- Eyecare vouchers, annual flu vaccination and cycle to work scheme
- Relocation support of up to £5,000 for eligible direct candidates
If you want to take more ownership of clinical standards and people development while continuing to consult, operate and follow your own cases, this role gives you room to do both.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead Veterinary Surgeon employer: Blythwood Vets
Blythwood Vets, part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff. With a strong focus on inclusivity, continuous improvement, and clinical excellence, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday leave and relocation support. Join us in creating a better world for pets and our people while enjoying a fulfilling career in veterinary nursing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Blythwood Vets often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blythwood Vets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Blythwood Vets. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Blythwood Vets.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Blythwood Vets.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Blythwood Vets.
