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- Tasks: Lead a team of vets, providing high-quality clinical care and mentoring.
- Company: Bay Vets, a friendly and supportive veterinary practice in Lancaster.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, CPD opportunities, wellness programmes, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Grow your leadership skills while making a real difference in animal care.
- Qualifications: RCVS registered Vet with experience in routine surgeries and teamwork.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team with excellent facilities and career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 57000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Bay Vets, Lancaster
Salary: ÂŁ55,000-ÂŁ65,000
Hours: 36 hours per week (FTE), same day off each week, 1:12 Weekends (Days only), OOH 1:12 (7 nights on call with no day work, except Saturday morning)
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
The Role
As Lead Vet you will have exceptional clinical expertise, strong communication and teamwork abilities, and a talent for mentoring. A passion for quality improvement is essential. This position is ideal for someone eager to grow their leadership skills, equipped with solid problem‑solving capabilities and some experience guiding a team. In this role you will provide high‑quality clinical care while leading the team, ensuring excellent patient and client experiences, and supporting the financial success of our practice. You’ll be primarily based at our Lancaster site, working alongside 4.5 FTE vets and a fantastic nursing and support team. There’s always another vet on site, so you will only be sole charge on weekends and you’ll have access to excellent facilities, experienced colleagues, and a varied caseload. We also value continuity of care and see our own clients out‑of‑hours.
Key Responsibilities
- Balance consults, routine surgeries and leadership with a manageable workload
- Opportunity to work alongside and mentor experienced vets and certificate holders to develop your clinical interests
- Modern facilities including CT scanner, digital imaging, and advanced surgical suites
About Us
At Bay Vets, we’re more than a veterinary practice – we’re a close‑knit, friendly team with a long‑standing reputation for excellence and compassion across Lancashire and South Cumbria. With four RCVS‑accredited small animal sites, including our main 24‑hour site in Lancaster and a CT‑equipped branch in Milnthorpe, we’re proud to offer a full range of services from routine care to advanced diagnostics and surgery. Our team includes several certificate holders in surgery, imaging, and medicine, and we’re known for our collaborative, supportive culture. We love teaching, mentoring, and sharing knowledge, and we’re excited to welcome someone who values that same spirit!
About You
- Experienced RCVS registered Vet
- Confident with routine surgeries
- Friendly, approachable, and a genuine team player
- Keen to maintain a healthy balance of consulting and surgical work
- Leadership experience would be a bonus, but not essential
Benefits
- 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave
- RCVS & VDS fees paid
- CPD allowance and 4 days each year to attend events plus Linnaeus CPD Programme (including certificate holder level CPD)
- Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E‑car salary sacrifice scheme
- Wellness programme including employee assistance program, eyecare voucher scheme, free annual flu jab, cycle to work scheme, recruitment referral reward scheme
Employment Details
- Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Health Care Provider
- Industries: Veterinary Services
Bay 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.
To apply for the role or to have an informal chat to discuss it further, please get in touch with Paige in the recruitment team: paige.lyne@linnaeusgroup.co.uk
Lead First Opinion Vet employer: Linnaeus
Contact Detail:
Linnaeus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead First Opinion Vet
✨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. Show off your clinical expertise and how you can mentor others – that’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at Bay Vets and see if we’re the right fit for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your passion for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead First Opinion Vet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for veterinary care shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for quality improvement and mentoring, so share specific examples that highlight your commitment to these values.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Vet role. Highlight your clinical expertise, leadership experience, and any relevant skills that match what we’re looking for. A personalised CV shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and how you’d fit into our friendly team at Bay Vets.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you can easily keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical expertise and any recent advancements in veterinary medicine. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially those that showcase your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves mentoring and teamwork, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster a supportive environment.
✨Passion for Improvement
Demonstrate your commitment to quality improvement by discussing any initiatives you've led or participated in. This could include anything from implementing new procedures to enhancing client experiences—show them you're proactive!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
