At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small team, provide high-quality veterinary care, and build client relationships.
- Company: Join a friendly, well-equipped single-vet practice in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 5 weeks annual leave.
- Why this job: Experience work-life balance with no weekends and the potential for a permanent role.
- Qualifications: Must be an RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon, confident in surgery and consultations.
- Other info: Strong community vibe in St Neots, with easy access to Cambridge and London.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: St Neots, Cambridgeshire
Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 (Up to £80,000 for the right candidate)
Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) – Strong potential to become permanent
Hours: 4 days per week, weekdays only (no weekends!)
Are you an experienced Vet looking for a weekday-only role with real work-life balance, the chance to lead a small and supportive team, and earn up to £80,000? We’re recruiting for a friendly, well-equipped single-vet practice in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident vet who wants to take on more responsibility or step into a Lead Vet position – with the added bonus of no weekend work and genuine flexibility. Although this is a 12-month maternity cover, there is a strong possibility that the role could become permanent.
About the Role
You'll be the sole vet on-site, working alongside a welcoming and experienced support team including an RVN, SVN, VCA and CCA. With clinical freedom and autonomy, this is an ideal role for a Vet who enjoys building strong client relationships and working closely with a close-knit team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver high-quality clinical care across consults, diagnostics and surgery
- Offer clear, compassionate communication to clients
- Provide clinical leadership and mentoring where appropriate
- Uphold compliance with best practices and clinical governance
What We’re Looking For
- RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon (or eligible)
- Comfortable working sole charge
- Confident in routine surgery and consultations
- Team-oriented with strong client care skills
- A proactive approach to leadership and development
Salary & Package
- Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 (negotiable)
- Up to £80,000 available for exceptional candidates
- Private medical insurance from day one
- Health cash plan (dental, physio, optical) + 24/7 GP access
- Life assurance – 3x salary
- 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rata), rising with service
- Extra paid ‘Day for You’
- £1,500 CPD allowance + 3 CPD days (pro-rata)
- Funded certificate opportunities
- Paid RCVS, VDS & BVA fees
- Sabbatical option with service
- Cycle to Work & Season Ticket Loan
- Visa sponsorship & relocation support (if needed)
Why St Neots?
St Neots is a beautiful riverside town in west Cambridgeshire with great amenities, green spaces and a strong community vibe. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the train station, offering quick and easy connections to Cambridge, London and beyond.
Contact Detail:
Red Sector Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Mat Leave Cover with the potential to become permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your leadership skills during any conversations or interviews. Since this role involves leading a small team, showcasing your experience in mentoring and guiding others will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the local community in St Neots. Understanding the demographics and needs of the pet owners in the area can help you build strong client relationships right from the start.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to clinical governance and best practices. Being able to articulate how you ensure high-quality care will demonstrate your commitment to excellence in veterinary medicine.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with other veterinary professionals in the area. Engaging with local vets or attending relevant events can provide insights into the practice culture and may even lead to recommendations for your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Mat Leave Cover with the potential to become permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Veterinary Surgeon. Emphasise your clinical skills, leadership experience, and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for veterinary medicine and your desire to lead a team. Mention why you are interested in this specific role and how your values align with the practice's ethos.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Clearly state your RCVS registration status and any additional qualifications or certifications you hold. This is crucial for demonstrating your eligibility and expertise in the field.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to build client relationships. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored colleagues in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Sector Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Clinical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your clinical experience in detail, especially in routine surgery and consultations. Highlight specific cases where you demonstrated high-quality care and effective client communication.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Since this role involves leading a small team, share examples of how you've successfully mentored or led others in previous positions. Emphasise your proactive approach to leadership and development.
✨Understand the Practice's Values
Research the practice and its community. Be ready to explain why you want to work there specifically and how your values align with theirs, particularly regarding client care and teamwork.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have thoughtful questions ready about the practice, the team dynamics, and the potential for the role to become permanent. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.