At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering high-quality veterinary care for small animals.
- Company: St Mary's Vets, a supportive and innovative practice in Ferndown.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, £5,000 welcome bonus, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional development in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while enjoying clinical freedom and support.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree, RCVS registration, and experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
St Mary's Vets – Ferndown, Dorset. Salary up to £65,000 DOE and up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus and up to £5,000 Relocation Allowance. This is an excellent opportunity for a vet who enjoys the variety and continuity that comes with GP practice, while having the support and resources to deliver a high standard of care. The role offers a great balance of consultations and surgery, with the opportunity to work cases up thoroughly in‑house, from routine procedures through to more complex medical and emergency cases. You’ll have clinical freedom to manage your own cases while also benefiting from referral support when needed.
We're looking for a confident vet who is comfortable with sole charge and enjoys working with a varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, and the occasional exotic patient. The practice is well‑equipped with digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, a fully equipped in‑house laboratory, and is due for a full refurbishment.
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. You’ll provide clinical leadership to the team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision‑making. Working closely with senior practice leadership, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality and outcomes.
Working Hours Monday to Friday 9:00 – 18:30 (one half day during the week 9:00 – 13:00 to be arranged) and one in 3 Saturday mornings 8:30 – 12:30. No out‑of‑hours or on‑call duties. Open to part‑time candidates.
Qualifications & Experience
- Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, advanced surgical and medical capability.
- Proven experience in mentoring, coaching and supporting veterinary colleagues.
- Strong leadership, communication and decision‑making skills.
- Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.
- Professionalism, integrity and a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care.
How We’ll Support You
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles.
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role‑relevant courses.
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
- Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks.
- Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities.
- A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement.
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays.
- Private medical insurance.
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy.
- BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees.
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies).
- Retail discounts and cashback offers.
- Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets.
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown employer: Ivc
St Mary's Vets in Ferndown, Dorset, is an exceptional employer for Veterinary Surgeons, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises clinical excellence and employee wellbeing. With clear career pathways, generous benefits including a competitive salary, relocation allowance, and extensive professional development opportunities, the practice fosters a culture of continuous improvement and community care. Enjoy a balanced work schedule with no out-of-hours duties, allowing you to thrive both professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact on animal health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow vets, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best cases, surgeries, and any special projects you've worked on. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right role that fits your skills and aspirations. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at St Mary's Vets.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Lead Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your clinical leadership, mentoring experience, and any advanced surgical capabilities to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about veterinary care and how your values align with ours. Don’t forget to mention your experience with varied caseloads and your approach to patient care.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership and decision-making skills. Whether it’s improving clinical outcomes or leading a successful project, we want to see what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, showcasing your advanced surgical and medical capabilities. This will demonstrate your confidence and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll need to show that you can lead a team effectively. Think of examples where you've mentored or coached colleagues, and be ready to discuss how you've contributed to clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in complex situations, such as managing clinical complaints or making tough decisions. Prepare by thinking through how you would handle these scenarios, focusing on professionalism and integrity in your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions ready about the practice's culture, support for continuous improvement, and career development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
