At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of vets, providing top-notch care for pets and guiding complex cases.
- Company: Join St Marys Vets, a well-respected practice with modern facilities in Dorset.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while advancing your veterinary career.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree, RCVS registration, and significant experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
St Marys Vets is an established, single-site practice with a strong local reputation and a great GP first-opinion caseload. This role offers a balanced mix of consults and surgery, with the opportunity to work up cases in house from routine procedures to ECC, while having referral support when needed. You’ll need to be confident with sole charge and enjoy working with a varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, and the occasional exotic. The practice is fully equipped with modern facilities including digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, and an in-house lab and is due to undergo a full refurbishment.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability and fulfilment at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes and ways of working.
Monday to Friday 9:00-18:30 (1 half day during the week 9:00-13:00 to be arranged); 1 in 3 Saturday mornings 8:30-12:30 No OOH or on call Open to PT candidates 30+ hours min.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
- A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, with advanced surgical and medical capability.
- Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues.
- Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
- Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives.
- The ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.
- Professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care.
How We’ll Support You
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles.
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses.
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
- Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks.
- Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities.
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement.
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays.
- Private medical insurance.
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy.
- BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees.
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies).
- Retail discounts and cashback offers.
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets.
Salary up to £80,000 DOE
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown employer: St Mary's Veterinary Clinic Ltd
At St Marys Veterinary Clinic in Ferndown, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of our team. With clear career pathways, generous benefits including a £1,250 annual Care Fund, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we empower our Lead Veterinary Surgeons to make a meaningful impact in their community while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule. Join us in a fully equipped practice where your skills will flourish and your contributions are valued.
Contact Details:
St Mary's Veterinary Clinic Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best cases, surgeries, and any leadership roles you've taken on. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you can lead clinical standards and improve patient care, as that's what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at St Marys Vets.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your love for veterinary medicine shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to be a Lead Veterinary Surgeon. We want to know why you're excited about this role and how you can make a difference at St Marys Vets.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in small animal practice and leadership roles. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Keep it engaging and concise, explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the Lead Veterinary Surgeon position. Don’t forget to mention how you align with our values at IVC Evidensia!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Mary's Veterinary Clinic Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care and advanced surgical techniques. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you approached them, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored or coached colleagues in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex cases or clinical decisions. This will help convey your professionalism and ability to lead a team effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the practice's culture, ongoing training opportunities, and how they support their veterinary staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the practice aligns with your career goals.
