At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in providing exceptional veterinary care for small animals.
- Company: Join Otter Vets, the UK's number one vet care provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation allowance, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Work-life balance with no out-of-hours requirements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while shaping your own practice.
- Qualifications: Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with mentoring skills and a Vet GDP qualification preferred.
Otter Vets - Sidmouth, Devon
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 and Welcome Bonus 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.
Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready for the next step in your career? At Otter Vets, part of IVC, we’re looking for a confident and ambitious Lead Vet to take the reins of our practice. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established team, bring your ideas to the table and truly make the practice your own, helping to shape its future and grow its success.
A Role Where Your Experience Matters
We’re looking for someone with strong clinical experience and a genuine interest in supporting and developing a team. Experience mentoring colleagues would be highly valued, and a Vet GDP qualification would be advantageous. You’ll have the freedom to develop your own areas of interest, with support available if you’d like to pursue a certificate. When additional expertise or facilities are needed, you’ll have access to support from our sister site at New Street, as well as the wider Otter team across our 3 sites.
A Varied Caseload with Room to Grow
Our caseload is a lovely mix of predominantly cats and dogs, with a small number of small furries. Days are well balanced between consultations and surgery, with dedicated admin time built into each day so you can keep on top of your notes without feeling rushed. Routine surgeries are performed on set operating days, and you’ll have the ability to refer cases whenever needed.
We’re well equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, a tonometer and an IDEXX suite, while our fantastic nursing team supports both surgery and consultations and runs their own nurse clinics. At New Street, you’ll also have access to dental X-ray facilities.
Flexibility That Works for You
This is a full-time role working 40 hours over four or five days, with just one in four Saturday mornings (8:30am-1pm). There are no out-of-hours or on-call requirements. We’re also happy to consider part-time applicants looking to work 30 hours or more.
Discover Life in Sidmouth
Based on Devon’s stunning Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth offers the perfect blend of beautiful beaches, countryside and traditional seaside charm. With excellent schools, a variety of shops and cafés with plenty of outdoor activities on your doorstep, it’s an appealing place to call home. Exeter is also within easy reach, making Sidmouth a fantastic option for those looking to relocate and enjoy a great quality of life without sacrificing access to a vibrant city.
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 Sidmouth employer: Ivc
Ivc is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and forward-thinking work culture at the Abbey Vet Clinic in Montrose. With flexible hours and a commitment to career growth, employees can enjoy clinical freedom while managing a varied caseload in a well-equipped practice near the stunning Angus coastline. We prioritise individual development and invest in our team's future, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Sidmouth
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Ivc often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Ivc. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Ivc.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Ivc.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Ivc.
