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- Tasks: Lead a supportive team while providing high-quality care to small animals.
- Company: Join Ivybank Vets, a friendly and established practice on the beautiful Ayrshire coast.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary care while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon with leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
At Ivybank Vets, we are looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to step into a Clinical Lead role within our friendly, established practice along the beautiful west coast of Ayrshire. This is an exciting opportunity for a vet who enjoys the breadth and variety of general practice while also taking on a supportive leadership role within a collaborative and clinically focused team.
As Clinical Lead, you will work closely with our experienced Director of Practice and Clinical Services, Practice Manager and Head Nurse, helping to support the clinical team in delivering high standards of patient care. You will play an important role in championing clinical excellence and supporting colleagues in applying IVC’s quality improvement programme in day‑to‑day practice. The position also offers the opportunity to deputise for the Director of Practice and Clinical Services when required. This role would suit a vet who enjoys mentoring and supporting colleagues while continuing to work hands‑on within a varied first‑opinion caseload. Over time, there will also be opportunities to further develop an interest in clinical leadership or business management, with support provided for professional development in these areas.
Hours and Flexible Working
We recognise the importance of work‑life balance and are always open to discussing flexibility where possible. The full‑time position is based on 39 hours per week, typically worked across four days from 8:30am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday. The rota also includes 1 weekend every 4 weeks, consisting of a four‑hour shift. Our out‑of‑hours provision is covered externally, helping to maintain a manageable and balanced schedule.
Team and Facilities
Ivybank Vets is a well‑established, four‑branch small animal practice with clinics located in Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock and West Kilbride. Our team consists of 11 experienced veterinary surgeons, supported by seven nurses, a student veterinary nurse, animal care assistants, and a dedicated reception and support team. We pride ourselves on being a team of approachable general practitioners who enjoy sharing knowledge and supporting each other. Several of our vets have particular clinical interests, creating a collaborative environment where case discussion and learning are part of everyday practice. Our clinics are well‑equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including digital radiography, ultrasound, dental equipment and in‑house laboratory capabilities, allowing us to maintain excellent clinical standards and fully work up cases where appropriate.
Location and Culture
Situated along the stunning Ayrshire coastline, Ivybank Vets offers the perfect balance of professional fulfilment and lifestyle. With beautiful beaches, coastal walks and countryside right on your doorstep, the area is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors, while the vibrant city of Glasgow is within easy commuting distance. What truly defines Ivybank, however, is the team culture. We are a friendly and supportive group who genuinely enjoy working together and are proud of the relationships we build with our loyal client base. Our focus is always on delivering high‑quality care for pets while maintaining a positive, collaborative environment where every member of the team feels valued and supported.
Because our people matter
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
- Work‑life balance
- 6.8 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- Wellbeing
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing
- Development
- £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
- Certificate support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal employer: Ivybank Vets, Irvine
Contact Detail:
Ivybank Vets, Irvine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local meet-ups 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 and experiences. When you get that interview, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how you can contribute to the team at Ivybank Vets.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our friendly team at Ivybank Vets.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Clinical Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific clinical interests you have, as we love to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary medicine and why you want to join Ivybank Vets. Don’t forget to mention how you can support our commitment to high standards of patient care.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We’re all about collaboration here at Ivybank. In your application, emphasise your ability to work well in a team and how you’ve supported colleagues in the past. We want to know how you can help foster our friendly culture!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your amazing application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivybank Vets, Irvine
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge, especially in areas relevant to small animal practice. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you approached them, as this will show your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Clinical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor and support colleagues. Think of examples where you've taken the lead in a team setting or helped a colleague improve their skills. This will highlight your readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Ivybank Vets values a collaborative environment, so be ready to talk about how you work within a team. Share experiences where you've contributed to a positive team culture or resolved conflicts, showing that you're a team player who fits their ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to continuous professional development or how they implement quality improvement programmes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.