At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in providing exceptional veterinary care for small animals.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Work in beautiful Ferndown, close to stunning outdoor attractions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of veterinary practice while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified veterinary surgeon with leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45113 - 55138 £ per year.
St Mary's Veterinary Clinic - Ferndown, Dorset
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000.
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
St Mary’s Vets, part of IVC, have been caring for pets and supporting the local community for many years, building a loyal client base and an excellent reputation along the way.
We’re now looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team at an exciting time for the practice. With a new chapter beginning alongside our sister practice, Aniwell Vets, this is a fantastic opportunity to play an important part in shaping the future of both practices.
A Clinical Role With Variety & Autonomy
If you enjoy the variety of first-opinion practice, you’ll feel right at home here. You’ll see a diverse caseload across medicine and surgery, managing cases from initial presentation through to diagnosis and treatment and enjoying the continuity of care that comes with getting to know your patients and clients. From routine procedures through to emergency and critical care, there’s plenty to keep you interested. You’ll have the clinical freedom to make decisions and manage your own cases, with an experienced team around you and excellent referral pathways whenever additional support is needed.
Two Practices, One Great Team
As St Mary’s and Aniwell come together, you’ll have the opportunity to work across two well-established practices and become part of a wider clinical team. The caseload includes cats, dogs, rabbits and the occasional exotic, giving you plenty of variety while also creating opportunities to share knowledge, learn from colleagues and broaden your experience. As Lead Vet, you’ll also have the chance to contribute your ideas and help shape how the practices develop as they move into this exciting next chapter.
Investing in Our People & Facilities
You’ll have access to digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and a fully equipped in-house laboratory, giving you the tools to provide excellent patient care. There’s also a full refurbishment planned for St Mary’s, making this a particularly exciting time to join as we continue to invest in our facilities, our people and the future of the practice.
A Supportive Environment to Thrive
We want our vets to enjoy their work and feel supported to develop. Whether you have a particular clinical interest you’d like to pursue or simply want to continue building your experience, you’ll have the support and encouragement to do so. As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll be able to combine your clinical work with the opportunity to help shape the practice, while working alongside a team that genuinely values collaboration and shared ideas.
A Work-Life Balance That Works
We know flexibility matters, so full-time hours can be worked across four or five days, with part-time applications also welcomed. The rota includes just 1:3 Saturday mornings (8:30am–12:30pm), with no out-of-hours or on-call commitments, giving you plenty of time to enjoy life outside the practice.
Enjoy Life in Ferndown
Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Dorset countryside, Ferndown offers a fantastic balance of relaxed living and excellent connectivity. You'll be just a short drive from the award-winning beaches of Bournemouth, the stunning New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast, making it an ideal location for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. With a variety of cafés, shops, highly regarded schools and easy access to Southampton and Poole, Ferndown offers an exceptional lifestyle.
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- 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 and 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.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Poole employer: Ivc
IVC Evidensia is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. With a commitment to work-life balance, generous annual leave, and unique benefits like a dog-friendly office and discounted pet care, employees can thrive in a fulfilling environment while making a meaningful impact on animal welfare across Europe and North America.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Poole
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Ivc!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Ivc, 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 Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Ivc. 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 Ivc will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨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.
