At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team while staying hands-on with surgery and consultations.
- Company: Join Blythwood Vets, a collaborative small animal practice in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and relocation support up to £5,000.
- Other info: Work in a sociable team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape clinical standards and make a real impact while enjoying a four-day work week.
- Qualifications: Experienced vet with strong communication and mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
£70,000 to £80,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus benefits and relocation support of up to £5,000 for eligible direct candidates.
You must currently have the right to work in the 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.
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.
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.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon in London 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 in London
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Blythwood Vets for the Lead Veterinary Surgeon role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Blythwood Vets, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Blythwood Vets, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blythwood Vets
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Blythwood Vets.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Blythwood Vets appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Blythwood Vets supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
