At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our first opinion service, focusing on consultations and client communication.
- Company: Join Swayne & Partners, a state-of-the-art veterinary practice in Bury St Edmunds.
- Benefits: Generous CPD allowance, enhanced leave, and a colleague discount scheme for pets.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to clinical excellence and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of veterinary care while making a real impact on animal health.
- Qualifications: RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with experience in small animal general practice.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
This role involves taking the lead for the practice’s first opinion service, with a focus on consultations and client communication.
Where: Our Bury hospital offers a broad range of clinical care, including first opinion services, inpatient care, emergency treatment, and certificate-level referrals, in state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Who: We’re looking for a confident, enthusiastic general practitioner who can build strong relationships with both colleagues and clients.
About Us
Swayne & Partners in Bury St Edmunds is a large, purpose‑built practice with extensive facilities and state‑of‑the‑art equipment. In addition to a strong first opinion base, we run a full night service that takes cases from around 25 other local practices, have a high inpatient caseload, and offer a certificate‑level referral service in internal medicine, imaging, and orthopaedic surgery.
On‑site Provision
- Five consult rooms
- Large prep area
- Two sterile operating theatres
- Dental suite (including x‑ray)
- Pharmacy
- Two imaging rooms
- Cat and dog wards
- Full isolation ward with separate yard
- Extensive in‑house lab including full range of IDEXX blood analysers and Imagyst cytology
- New CT scanner installed last year
- High‑quality ultrasound
Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced small animal vet ready to take the next step into a leadership role, or for an existing clinical leader seeking a new challenge. The role is predominantly clinical, with a consulting focus but some theatre time. There will be dedicated time set aside for the non‑clinical aspects of the role. As part of the practice leadership team, reporting to the Clinical Director and alongside the Head Nurse, Practice Manager and other Service Leads, you will help to set and deliver the practice’s strategic priorities. The role is a new one within the practice, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape and develop it over time.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain high, evidence‑based clinical standards in our first opinion service, whilst encouraging a contextualised approach to patient care.
- Lead on clinical governance matters relating to our first opinion service, including clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
- Lead on practice communications, including telephone, digital communications and social media.
- Work with the practice manager to ensure a positive client experience in the front‑of‑house areas, including development of policies and processes for the reception team.
- Work with the Clinical Director to ensure good billing practices in the consult room.
- Deal with complaints relating to the above areas of responsibility.
- Work with the Head Nurse to develop our RVN consulting service.
- Participate in the training of our recently graduated vets and student nurses.
- Participate in our out‑of‑hours rota.
About You
- RCVS‑registered Veterinary Surgeon, experienced in small animal general practice.
- Confident in consulting, diagnostics and routine surgical procedures.
- Excellent communication and team‑building skills.
- Passionate about clinical excellence and team development.
- Previous leadership and mentoring experience, including as a VetGDP Adviser, is preferred.
- Previous experience in the commercial side of a veterinary practice is not required, but would be an advantage.
Salary & Benefits
- Generous CPD allowance, including support for certificate study.
- RCVS fees & VDS cover paid by practice.
- 5 weeks annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata).
- Additional annual leave earned with service.
- 3 weeks occupation sick leave (pro‑rata).
- Enhanced pension contributions.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave.
- Generous colleague discount scheme for up to 5 registered pets.
Our Group
Kin Vet Community is a network of 24 practices across the South and East of England. We are committed to clinical excellence, teamwork and continuous professional development.
General Practice Lead in Bury St Edmunds employer: Kinvet
Swayne & Partners in Bury St Edmunds is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where clinical excellence and professional development are at the forefront. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to continuous learning, employees benefit from generous CPD allowances, enhanced leave policies, and opportunities for leadership growth within a dynamic team. Join us in a purpose-built practice that values both client care and employee well-being, making it an ideal place for passionate veterinary professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Practice Lead in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the practice before your interview! Research Swayne & Partners, their values, and their approach to client care. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a General Practice Lead, you'll need to build strong relationships with both colleagues and clients. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! Whether it's mentoring new vets or leading a team, be ready to share specific examples of how you've positively impacted your previous workplaces. This will highlight your readiness for this new challenge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace General Practice Lead in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for veterinary practice shine through. We want to see your passion for clinical excellence and team development, so don’t hold back on sharing why you love what you do!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of General Practice Lead. Highlight your experience in small animal general practice, leadership roles, and any relevant skills that align with our focus on consultations and client communication.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see how you fit into our practice and what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Swayne & Partners!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinvet
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge, especially around first opinion services. Be ready to discuss evidence-based practices and how you would maintain high standards in patient care.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of client communication, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients and colleagues in the past. Think about times when you’ve resolved complaints or improved client experiences.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Be prepared to talk about your previous leadership experiences, even if they were informal. Highlight any mentoring roles you've had and how you can contribute to team development at Swayne & Partners.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the practice’s strategic priorities and how you can shape the new role. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and your commitment to contributing positively to the team.
