At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a clinical team while ensuring top-notch patient care.
- Company: Join Easipetcare Derby, rebranding to Dovedale House, and shape its future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive, close-knit team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary medicine and foster a positive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must be RCVS registered with experience in small animal medicine and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary up to £75,000, plus a welcome bonus up to £5,000 and a relocation allowance up to £5,000.
Overview: Lead Veterinary Surgeon role at Easipetcare Derby (rebranding to Dovedale House this July) – a pivotal leadership position during a transformation, shaping the future identity, culture, and clinical direction of the practice.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team, supporting vets and nurses to build skills and confidence.
- Take oversight of complex cases, provide second opinions and ensure the highest standards of patient care.
- Promote clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence‑based best practice.
- Maintain robust clinical governance, ensuring full compliance with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards.
- Work closely with the Director of Practice to support service development, implement improvements and contribute to practice growth.
- Cultivate a positive and engaged team culture that values collaboration, learning and development, actively supporting CPD and career progression.
Qualifications:
- RCVS registered.
- Strong foundation in small animal medicine and surgery.
- Experience in a leadership/mentoring role is desirable.
- Knowledge of RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards.
Hours & Working Arrangement:
Full‑time position, 38 or 40 hours per week with flexibility: a four‑day week (38 hours) or a five‑day week (40 hours). Requires working one of every three Saturday mornings (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) with time off in lieu.
Team & Culture:
Close‑knit, supportive, positive and collaborative team, currently comprising a Practice Director, Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Nurses, student nurse, care assistant and reception staff.
Benefits & Development:
- Work‑life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) and additional holiday entitlement for birthdays.
- Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, 24/7 employee assistance programme, enhanced family‑friendly policies, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Professional development: £1,250 CPD allowance, 40 hours paid CPD leave pro‑rata, certificate support, access to the IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon, research funding and an annual Care Fund of £1,250.
- Professional memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees.
- Colleague benefits: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, cycle‑to‑work scheme, green car scheme, voluntary benefit options, discount/cashback programmes, and discounted treatment for personal pets at any IVC Evidensia practice.
Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome candidates with disabilities and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments.
Lead Vet Surgeon - Small Animal employer: Inspiring Vet Care
Easipetcare Derby, soon to be rebranded as Dovedale House, is an exceptional employer for veterinary professionals seeking a meaningful career in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development, including a generous CPD allowance and a commitment to work-life balance, employees enjoy a culture that values mentorship and continuous learning. The practice also offers competitive benefits such as private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly policies, and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Vet Surgeon - Small Animal
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Vet Surgeon - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Lead Vet Surgeon - Small Animal at Inspiring Vet Care, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Lead Vet Surgeon - Small Animal at Inspiring Vet Care. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Inspiring Vet Care will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiring Vet Care
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.