At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented veterinary team and deliver high-quality care to small animals.
- Company: Chess Veterinary Clinic, a trusted practice with over 75 years of community service.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, CPD opportunities, wellness programs, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced work-life with access to beautiful countryside and vibrant local culture.
- Why this job: Shape clinical standards and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of UK small animal GP experience and strong leadership skills.
Location: Rickmansworth & Chorleywood, Hertfordshire
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Practice: Chess Veterinary Clinic
Salary: £65,000-£75,000 DOE per annum
Are you an experienced small animal vet looking for your next step, where you can combine clinical excellence with the opportunity to influence and support a talented team? Chess Veterinary Clinic offers a unique opportunity for a Lead Vet to shape clinical standards, support colleagues, and continue practicing high-quality medicine within a stable, welcoming environment.
With loyal clients, experienced nurses, excellent facilities, and a genuine surgical caseload, this is a role where your clinical opinion will be valued, your experience will make a difference, and you will have the autonomy to help drive the continued success of the practice.
Why join us?
- Opportunity to influence clinical standards and support the continued development of the practice
- Balanced caseload with approximately 40-50% surgery, allowing you to maintain and develop your clinical skills
- Trusted, experienced team with RVNs who have been with the practice for over a decade
- Loyal, largely insured client base who value high-quality, proactive veterinary care
- Structured and predictable rota: 40 hours/week, 1 in 4 Saturdays (1pm-6pm)
- Excellent facilities with opportunities to further develop imaging and advanced clinical skills
The practice & team
Chess Veterinary Clinic has been serving the Hertfordshire community for over 75 years, building trusted relationships with generations of clients. You’ll be primarily based at our Rickmansworth site, a charming, characterful practice set within a converted stable, and will spend 1-2 days per week at our Chorleywood branch, which features a large consult room, spacious waiting area, and recently refurbished facilities.
Both sites are fully equipped to support high-quality medicine, with an in-house laboratory for thyroid, cPLI, cortisol, routine haematology and biochemistry testing, digital radiography including dental imaging, ultrasound for abdominal and cardiac scans, endoscopy equipment, a dedicated theatre, and a separate area for dentals and ultrasonography.
Our experienced team includes a Nursing Manager with 14 years in practice, RVNs with over a decade of experience, a Practice Manager who is also an RVN, and long-standing reception staff. The team is welcoming, collaborative, and supportive, with a strong culture of open case discussion and shared learning.
As Lead Vet, you will play an important role within this established team, using your experience to support colleagues, encourage best practice, and help ensure excellent standards of patient and client care continue across both sites.
The practice is located in an affluent area with excellent access to London, near the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Chorleywood Common, offering a mix of village charm, countryside walks, and cafes for a great work-life balance.
What we’re looking for
- 8+ years UK small animal GP experience (minimum 3 years, 10+ years preferred)
- Strong clinical confidence across consults and surgical cases
- Passion for working cases up thoroughly and delivering high patient care standards
- Supportive, approachable leader enjoys mentoring and sharing knowledge
- Confident contributing to clinical discussions and shaping best practice
- Excellent communication skills, collaborative teamwork
- Desire to continue developing personally while supporting others
- Interest in developing imaging or endoscopy skills
- Ability to work full-time within a structured rota
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 program
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
- Wellness program including: Employee assistance program, Eyecare voucher scheme, Free annual Flu jab, Cycle to work scheme
Lead Veterinary Surgeon in Rickmansworth employer: Linnaeus
Linnaeus is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises professional growth and mentorship for its Veterinary Surgeons. Located in the picturesque town of Ludlow, employees benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive salary, and a supportive team environment that fosters excellence in veterinary care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon in Rickmansworth
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Lead Veterinary Surgeon at Linnaeus.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Linnaeus!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Lead Veterinary Surgeon.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Linnaeus.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Lead Veterinary Surgeon at Linnaeus, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Lead Veterinary Surgeon at Linnaeus. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Linnaeus will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
