At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a clinical team, deliver exceptional patient care, and drive service improvement.
- Company: Ashfield Vets, a purpose-built practice in County Durham.
- Benefits: Generous CPD allowance, health cash plan, and up to 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Supportive environment with access to advanced resources and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of veterinary care while mentoring a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical skills and leadership qualities.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
We are delighted to offer a Head Veterinary Surgeon role responsible for delivering exceptional patient‑centred care, driving clinical excellence, supporting operational efficiency, and leading continuous service improvement.
Working Hours
Full time: 40 hours a week. Part‑time options available upon request.
Role Overview
As Head Veterinary Surgeon you will lead the clinical team, coach and empower colleagues, maintain high standards of patient and client care, and shape the future of the practice. Our practice is purpose‑built for high‑quality care featuring multiple consultation rooms, a dedicated nurse/cat consultation room, separate cat and dog waiting areas, an in‑house pharmacy, and a state‑of‑the‑art prep room and theatre. On‑site parking and an electric car charging point are available. An experienced team of two vets, four RVNs, a PCA, an SVN, a reception team and a Practice Manager will support you to ensure smooth day‑to‑day running.
About You
You are an experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical capability and a natural mentor who enjoys developing and supporting colleagues. You are proactive, solutions‑focused, resilient, positive and a collaborative team player who adds professionalism and energy. As a forward‑thinking leader you are eager to help shape the future of the practice.
Benefits
- RCVS & VDS fees paid in full
- Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams and study leave covered
- Up to 33 days holiday (with option to buy/sell)
- CVS Pension Scheme
- Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
- Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies
- Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food and medications
Contact
Please contact Jim in the recruitment team at jim.mcdowell-massar@cvsvets.com to discuss the opportunity or submit an online application.
Head Veterinary Surgeon in North East employer: Southdown Veterinary Group
At Ashfield Vets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through generous CPD allowances, fully funded postgraduate qualifications, and a dedicated team environment that empowers you to lead and mentor others. Located in the heart of County Durham, our purpose-built practice offers state-of-the-art facilities and a range of benefits, including flexible working options and staff discounts, making it a rewarding place to advance your veterinary career.
Contact Details:
Southdown Veterinary Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Surgeon in North East
✨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 Head Veterinary Surgeon at Southdown Veterinary Group.
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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 Southdown Veterinary Group!
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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 Head Veterinary Surgeon.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Surgeon in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Head Veterinary Surgeon at Southdown Veterinary Group, 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 Head Veterinary Surgeon at Southdown Veterinary Group. 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 Southdown Veterinary Group will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Veterinary Group
✨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.
