At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate veterinary team and shape clinical standards for outstanding patient care.
- Company: Join a vibrant, community-focused independent veterinary group.
- Benefits: Generous package including enhanced pay, health support, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong emphasis on continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while inspiring and mentoring your team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon eligible for RCVS registration.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Vet to lead a passionate and talented veterinary team. This role offers the chance to shape clinical standards, champion excellence, and inspire colleagues to deliver outstanding patient care every day.
The Head Vet will take a leading role in driving the continuous improvement of clinical quality, supporting the team in achieving the shared goal of becoming a true centre of clinical excellence. This position is ideal for a veterinary professional who enjoys both hands‑on clinical work and the strategic elements of leadership — mentoring others, developing new initiatives, and enhancing patient outcomes. The role is 4 days per week with 1 in 4 weekends. There’s no out-of-hours work, though the Head Vet will remain available for advice if there are any overnight inpatients.
What the Role Involves
- Play a key part in the surgery’s leadership team, helping to define and deliver its clinical vision.
- Use their expertise to coach, support, and upskill colleagues at every level.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and excellence across the practice.
- Deliver and promote gold‑standard, evidence‑based veterinary care.
This is a position for someone who thrives on making a difference — both to patients and to people — and who takes pride in seeing their team succeed.
Benefits and Rewards
- Quarterly recognition payments
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Income protection
- Electric car scheme
- Boost employee benefits and discounts
- Health and wellbeing support through “Help at Hand”
- Funded memberships and professional fees
- CPD allowance and internal leadership training
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Staff discounts on veterinary services
About the Team
This welcoming and close‑knit team currently includes four Registered Veterinary Nurses and two Veterinary Surgeons, with a new graduate vet joining soon. The team’s interests span exotics, imaging, and advanced diagnostics, ensuring no two days are ever the same. There’s a strong emphasis on development — CPD is continuous, and everyone is encouraged to learn, grow, and pursue their professional interests. Students and new graduates are supported from day one, and many go on to join the team permanently. The culture is open, friendly, and focused on supporting one another to provide the best possible care.
Practice Culture
The practice has a genuine community spirit, with strong links to local pet owners through events, education, and fundraising. The reception team is renowned for its warmth and professionalism, creating a welcoming environment for both clients and colleagues. Team members describe the workplace as friendly, forward‑thinking, and full of positive energy — and it shows! Those curious to get a feel for the environment can explore the team’s active social media presence to see what life is really like inside this vibrant practice.
Part of a Growing Independent Group
The practice is part of one of the UK’s largest independent, family‑owned veterinary groups, dedicated to delivering outstanding care in local communities nationwide. Their surgeries are purpose‑built, modern, and fully equipped, offering bright, spacious workspaces and access to advanced technology. With ongoing investment in people, facilities, and innovation, there has never been a better time to join. This is a role where the right Head Vet can truly make their mark — leading a dedicated team, shaping clinical standards, and helping pets live long, healthy, and happy lives.
For further information, an informal chat, or to apply, please email Debbie Loding at Debbie@vettedrecruitment.co.uk or 07384 551799 today. You must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and eligible to register with the RCVS to be considered for this role.
Head Veterinary Surgeon - Lead, Inspire and Grow employer: British Veterinary LGBT+
Join a vibrant and supportive veterinary practice that prioritises excellence in patient care and employee development. As part of one of the UK's largest independent, family-owned veterinary groups, you will benefit from a generous rewards package, including enhanced maternity and paternity pay, CPD allowances, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance with no out-of-hours work. The culture is open and collaborative, fostering continuous learning and growth, making it an ideal environment for passionate veterinary professionals looking to lead and inspire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Surgeon - Lead, Inspire and Grow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team before your interview! Check out their social media and see what they're all about. This will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in their practice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows that you're not just there to talk about yourself, but that you care about the role and the team dynamics. Think about how you can contribute to their culture of collaboration and excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've inspired or mentored others in the past. This is key for a Head Vet role, so make sure you highlight your experience in driving clinical quality and supporting your colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about the practice and its values before you even step foot in the interview room.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Surgeon - Lead, Inspire and Grow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for veterinary care shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference for both pets and people, so share your experiences that highlight this passion!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Vet role. Highlight your leadership experience, clinical expertise, and any initiatives you've led that align with our vision of excellence. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your values align with ours and how you plan to inspire and lead our talented team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Veterinary LGBT+
✨Know Your Clinical Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your own clinical vision and how it aligns with the practice's goals. Be ready to discuss how you would shape clinical standards and inspire your team to deliver outstanding patient care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing others, as well as any initiatives you've implemented that improved patient outcomes or team collaboration.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Team
Research the current team members and their interests. Mentioning specific team members or their specialisations during the interview can show that you're genuinely interested in fostering a collaborative culture and supporting your colleagues.
✨Engage with Their Community Spirit
Since the practice has strong links to local pet owners, think about how you can contribute to community events or education. Bring ideas to the table on how to enhance the practice's community involvement, which will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference beyond just clinical work.
