At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a supportive team while providing hands-on veterinary care for dogs and cats.
- Company: Join Village Vet, part of the largest family-owned veterinary company globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Experience a great work-life balance in beautiful Berkhamsted with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Shape a thriving practice while making a real impact on pet care.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of UK GP experience and a passion for companion animal medicine.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Practice: Village Vet Berkhamsted & St Albans Hospital
Location: Hertfordshire
Role Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: 42 hours per week across 4 days, including weekends (either 1 in 3 Saturdays or 1 full weekend in 6, with time off in lieu)
Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum DOE + relocation support available for direct candidates
Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking for your next step into a leadership role, whilst still maintaining a varied and rewarding clinical caseload? At Village Vet Berkhamsted, we’re looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our established and supportive team, combining the opportunity to shape and influence a thriving first opinion practice with a real leadership responsibility while still remaining hands-on clinically.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary of up to £75,000 DOE plus relocation support available for direct candidates
- A genuine leadership opportunity with autonomy and influence whilst remaining hands-on clinically
- Strong, stable and supportive team environment with experienced colleagues around you
- Join part of a larger network of practices across Hertfordshire and London with collaborative working possibilities available
Team and Practice
You’ll join an established, stable and genuinely supportive team environment. The Berkhamsted team currently consists of:
- 1 Veterinary Surgeon (currently working towards an exotic certificate)
- 4 Registered Veterinary Nurses
- 4 Client Care Assistants
Given the existing exotics expertise within the team, we are particularly interested in candidates with a stronger bias towards dogs and cats who can complement the current clinical offering. You’ll also become part of the wider Village Vet and St Albans Hospital teams, giving access to additional clinical support, collaboration and learning opportunities. Village Vet Berkhamsted offers a loyal and affluent client base with a high proportion of insured patients, allowing vets the opportunity to work cases up thoroughly and practice high-quality medicine. Working alongside St Albans Hospital provides access to a broader caseload, additional equipment, experienced colleagues and a hospital environment that supports ongoing development. This combination creates an ideal role for someone looking for both autonomy and clinical progression. Berkhamsted offers the perfect combination of countryside living and excellent connectivity. Located on the edge of the Chilterns, Berkhamsted combines historic charm, countryside views and a thriving community atmosphere, whilst still offering convenient transport links into London and surrounding areas. For candidates looking for a better work-life balance without sacrificing accessibility, Berkhamsted offers an excellent lifestyle opportunity.
What we’re looking for:
- Solid UK GP experience (min 5 years), confident managing routine medical and surgical cases independently
- Comfortable taking ownership, making clinical decisions and providing leadership within a practice environment
- Enjoys mentoring, supporting and collaborating with colleagues to help create a positive team culture
- Excellent communication skills and enjoys building strong, long-term client relationships
- Stronger interest in companion animal medicine and surgery, particularly dogs and cats
- Passionate about delivering high standards of patient and client care
Previous leadership experience is welcomed but not essential for candidates ready to take the next step into a Lead position.
What we offer:
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- External CPD funded
- Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
- Wellness program including Employee assistance program, Eyecare voucher scheme, Free annual Flu jab, Cycle to work scheme
About Us
Village Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
If you would like to apply for the role or for an informal chat to discuss it further, please get in touch with Joanne in the recruitment team at joanne.gray@linnaeusgroup.co.uk
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Village Vet Berkhamsted employer: Linnaeus Veterinary
At Village Vet Berkhamsted, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary of up to £75,000 and a supportive team environment that fosters both clinical excellence and leadership development. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our extensive benefits package, including generous holiday leave, funded CPD opportunities, and a wellness programme, all set in the picturesque town of Berkhamsted, which combines a vibrant community with easy access to London. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance in a beautiful location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Village Vet Berkhamsted
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and 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
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary leadership. Think about how you would handle clinical decisions and team dynamics, as these will be key topics during your chat with Village Vet.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for animal care! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to high standards of patient and client care. This will resonate well with the values at Village Vet Berkhamsted.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Village Vet family and ready to take on that lead role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Village Vet Berkhamsted
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your leadership experience and clinical expertise, especially in companion animal medicine.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed cases, and express your enthusiasm for joining our supportive environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but let your personality shine through – we want to get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This way, your application goes straight to us, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus Veterinary
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around dogs and cats. Be prepared to discuss your experience with routine medical and surgical cases, as well as any leadership roles you've held. This will show that you're not just a great vet but also ready to take on a leadership position.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Even if you haven't held a formal leadership role before, think of examples where you've taken ownership or mentored colleagues. Share these experiences during the interview to demonstrate your potential for leading a team and creating a positive culture.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would build strong relationships with clients and colleagues, and be ready to share your approach to client care during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice and its team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the support available for professional development or how the team collaborates on complex cases.
