At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic veterinary team, mentor junior vets, and ensure high clinical standards.
- Company: Established small animal practice in vibrant Chester, Cheshire.
- Benefits: Salary up to £70,000, 30-hour work week, no Sundays or OOH.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for further study and development.
- Why this job: Join at an exciting time of growth and rebranding, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: RCVS registration and experience in clinical leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Lead clinical role, 3-day week, high insured caseload, no OOH or Sundays, exciting refurb & rebrand — Chester, Cheshire location.
Who They Are
This is a well-established small animal practice in Chester, Cheshire — a historic and vibrant city less than an hour from both Liverpool and Manchester, surrounded by beautiful countryside and offering an exceptional quality of life. The practice is located on the outskirts of the city centre, easily accessible via local transport routes, and is currently at an exciting turning point — with new ownership bringing a significant refurbishment and rebrand that is pushing the practice to new heights.
The team is close-knit and genuinely collegiate: 7 vets, 5 RVNs, 2 student nurses, and 3 receptionists, all supported by an experienced practice manager. The clinical team brings a variety of interests and a real depth of knowledge, creating an environment where learning and development happen naturally day to day. The client base is strong, with a high proportion of insured pets and proactive clients — enabling thorough case workup and a high standard of care.
This is a practice that values its people, communicates well, and has built a genuine sense of togetherness — a team that supports each other both clinically and personally. With the backing of new ownership investing in the practice's future, this is a rare opportunity to step into a meaningful leadership role at a genuinely exciting moment in the practice's journey.
What You'll Do
- Provide senior clinical guidance and oversight across the practice, working closely with the Head Vet and practice manager to maintain high clinical standards.
- Support complex case decision-making, acting as the primary clinical point of contact in the absence of the Head Vet.
- Mentor and support junior vets, helping them to develop their clinical confidence and fulfil their potential within the practice.
- Promote best practice across anaesthesia, surgery, and patient safety — leading by example in all clinical interactions.
- Assist with the development and implementation of clinical protocols, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with practice ownership and the Head Vet to share innovative ideas that enhance care standards, team performance, and daily rota flow.
- Manage a varied first-opinion small animal caseload across a high proportion of insured clients, with the autonomy to work cases up thoroughly.
- Deliver care aligned with RCVS best practice guidelines, maintaining high standards of patient safety, pain management, and evidence-based medicine.
What You'll Gain
- Salary up to £70,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- 30 hours per week across 3 days, with 1 in 5 Saturdays 09:00–12:30 — no Sundays, no OOH.
- A genuine leadership opportunity with real autonomy to shape clinical standards and the future direction of the practice.
- Full support from new ownership, the Head Vet, and an experienced practice manager — allowing focus to remain on the clinical rather than administrative responsibilities.
- Further study towards veterinary management courses or clinical qualifications — fully funded and actively encouraged.
- Professional registration fees fully funded.
- Exposure to a varied caseload with a high proportion of insured clients, enabling thorough and high-quality clinical work.
- An exciting period of practice growth — joining at a pivotal moment following a significant refurbishment and rebrand.
- A genuinely supportive team environment with strong communication and a real sense of togetherness.
What's Needed
- RCVS registration (essential).
- Proven experience in a clinical leadership or senior veterinary role, or demonstrable readiness to step into such a position.
- Confidence managing complex cases and supporting junior colleagues in their clinical decision-making.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-focused approach.
- Ability to promote and implement best practice across anaesthesia, surgery, and patient safety.
- Experience contributing to clinical protocols, audits, or governance processes.
- Commitment to high clinical standards and evidence-based practice.
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the vision to help shape the future of a growing practice.
Permanent | Part-Time | 30 Hours | 3 Days Per Week | 1 in 5 Saturdays | No OOH | No Sundays
Lead Veterinary Surgeon | Chester employer: Global Veterinary Careers
Join a pioneering independent veterinary hospital in London, where you will enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises both your professional growth and work-life balance. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and the freedom to manage your own cases, this role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to high-quality patient care. Experience a fresh approach to veterinary medicine in a beautifully designed environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon | Chester
✨Tip Number 1: Tap into Local Medical Networks
Get involved with local medical associations and community health groups. They often have listings for part-time gigs and can help you connect with other healthcare professionals who might know of opportunities, like those at Global Veterinary Careers.
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Medical Conferences and Workshops
Look for medical conferences or workshops happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and can help you meet potential employers. You might just bump into someone from Global Veterinary Careers looking for a part-time physician.
✨Tip Number 3: Volunteer for Health Initiatives
Consider volunteering at local clinics or health fairs. Not only does it boost your visibility, but it also shows your commitment to the community and can lead to part-time job offers. Plus, you may get a chance to showcase your skills to someone from Global Veterinary Careers!
✨Tip Number 4: Use Our Portal to Your Advantage
Apply directly through our website for part-time positions at Global Veterinary Careers. We streamline the process for you, making it easier to reach out and show your interest. Don't forget to personalise your application and highlight your relevant experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon | Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Specialisation:When applying for a part-time role like this, make sure to clearly state your medical specialisation in your CV. We want to see any specific qualifications and experiences that relate to the type of medicine you practice. This will help us quickly gauge how you fit into our team at Global Veterinary Careers.
Show Your Flexibility:Part-time positions often require a degree of adaptability. In your cover letter, get into details about your availability and willingness to cover shifts or adapt your schedule. This can really help us understand how well you might slot into the needs of Global Veterinary Careers.
Include Relevant Certifications:Don’t forget those vital certifications! Make sure to list any relevant medical certificates, training, or professional memberships in your application. These documents show your commitment to ongoing professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
Personalise Your Approach:When you apply, make sure to tailor your cover letter specifically to Global Veterinary Careers. Mention why you’re excited about working with us and how your background aligns with our mission. A personal touch goes a long way in helping us see the real you behind the qualifications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Veterinary Careers
✨Brush Up on Your Clinical Knowledge
As a physician applying for a part-time role at Global Veterinary Careers, it's crucial to be ready for clinical scenario questions. Expect to discuss your approach to diagnosis and patient management in detail, so revise the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices in your specialty.
✨Emphasise Experience in a Part-Time Setting
Part-time positions may require you to balance different responsibilities, so share examples of how you've effectively managed your time in previous roles. Highlight any experiences that showcase your flexibility and how you prioritised patient care while juggling other commitments.
✨Prepare for Ethical Dilemmas
In interviews for medical roles, especially in the current climate, ethical questions often come up. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle specific cases or ethical dilemmas that could arise while working part-time at Global Veterinary Careers. This shows your critical thinking and commitment to patient welfare.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in medicine. Be ready to talk about how you've effectively communicated with patients and healthcare teams in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with patients, especially in a part-time setting where you might not always see them regularly.
