Head Vet in Newcastle upon Tyne

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head Vet to join Firstvets in Heaton, located in the heart of vibrant Newcastle in the North East of England. Offering up to £80k DOE, FTE, we are open to both full-time and part-time applicants and welcome flexible working arrangements. Let us know what suits you best.

The role: We are seeking a Head Vet to join our team, with flexibility for either a full-time position or part-time hours for the ideal candidate. You will be supported by an experienced Senior Clinical Director, Practice Manager, and Head Nurse.

About us: Across our three sites, our fantastic team includes an experienced team of vets, RVNs, SVNs, Patient Care Assistants and a receptionist team - many of whom have been with Firstvets for years. Patient and client care are at the heart of everything we do. We continually strive to enhance our clinical standards and customer experience. We are looking for someone with excellent leadership qualities—approachable, supportive, and able to integrate seamlessly into a team that feels like family. Strong organisational ability is key. You will be joining an established, friendly, and supportive team within a well-equipped, forward-thinking practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the veterinary team, upholding exceptional clinical standards and a culture of excellence.
• Deliver outstanding care to clients and patients in line with best practices and RCVS guidelines.
• Work closely with the Practice Manager to maintain and elevate clinical standards, contributing to strategic planning and service development.
• Manage the veterinary team, including routine check-ins, competency assessments, salary discussions, and rota planning in collaboration with the Practice Manager.
• Participate in business performance activities such as budgeting, financial planning, and optimisation of client service.
• Be clinically confident and able to manage both surgical, medicine and emergency cases.
• Lead on innovation by introducing progressive medical and surgical techniques to enhance patient outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients through first-class care and compassionate communication.

What we are looking for:

• A highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical capability and proven leadership skills.
• A natural mentor who enjoys developing and supporting colleagues.
• A proactive, solutions-focused individual with resilience and a positive outlook.
• A collaborative team player who brings professionalism and energy.
• A forward-thinking leader eager to help shape the future of our practice.

You will be passionate about coaching, empowering your team, and consistently driving high standards of patient and client care. Your leadership will be key to our continued development as a centre of excellence.

Hours: Full-time: 40 hours per week. We are happy to discuss part-time and flexible options—please tell us what you are looking for.

Rewards & Benefits: We offer access to a comprehensive benefits package, including the below:

• Dedicated CPD support and access to a suite of internal courses developed by our in-house learning & development team of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to over 280 wellbeing champions across our group.
• Other health and wellbeing benefits include the Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work scheme, and discounted Gym Membership.
• Forward-thinking policies including fertility treatment, Pregnancy Loss, extended sick pay, enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave.
• CVS Save as you earn scheme – purchase discounted shares in the company and benefit from the Group’s increase in share price over that time.
• Health cash plans, discounted critical illness cover, 8 weeks’ pay to support exceptional life events, and private medical insurance available after the first month of service at discounted rates.
• Vet Oracle, our support platform for veterinary colleagues that provides expert advice and support across a range of clinical areas.
• Giving Back Day – a chance to volunteer for a charity/cause of your choice.
• RCVS and VDS support.
• Discounted treatment for your pets.

To apply: If you would like to find out more, please contact: Amy Cotter, Senior Clinical Director – amy.cotter@cvsvets.com or Dave, Resourcing Partner – david.vaughan@cvsvets.com. Or, to apply, click ‘Apply Now’, and we will be in touch.