At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a brand-new veterinary surgery and shape patient care from the ground up.
- Company: Join a family-owned veterinary group dedicated to pet wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, CPD allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building your own team and practice culture.
- Qualifications: Experienced Vet with strong GP skills and a passion for patient care.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re opening a brand-new veterinary surgery — and we’re looking for a Head Vet to lead it from day one. This is a rare opportunity to take full clinical ownership of a new practice, build your own team, and shape how care is delivered from the ground up. Most leadership roles ask you to step into something already built. This one gives you the chance to create it. You’ll lead a modern, purpose-built surgery, fully equipped with the latest technology, influence clinical standards, team culture, and the overall direction of the practice.
As Head Vet, you'll be responsible for delivering excellence in both patient care and team performance. You will:
- Lead and inspire your clinical team
- Set and uphold high standards of clinical governance
- Deliver outstanding first-opinion medicine and surgery
- Support and develop your colleagues
- Build strong relationships with clients and the local community
- Play a key role in shaping the culture and success of the practice
This is a hands-on leadership role — combining clinical work with real influence and responsibility. We’re looking for a confident, experienced Vet who:
- Has strong all-round GP experience
- Enjoys leading, mentoring and developing others
- Is passionate about high-quality patient care
- Communicates clearly and builds trust with clients and teams
- Wants to take ownership of a practice and make it their own
Working pattern:
- 4 days per week (9-hour shifts)
- Average 39 hours per week
- Dedicated admin time built into every shift
We know that great people build great practices – so we invest in you:
- Quarterly recognition payments
- CPD allowance + funded memberships
- Internal leadership training and career progression
- Income protection
- Electric car scheme
Work-life balance & wellbeing:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Help at Hand wellbeing support
About The Pet Vet: We are part of a nationwide, independent, family-owned veterinary group with a clear purpose: To help pets live long, happy and healthy lives with the people who love them. Our surgeries are designed to feel different: calm, modern, and built around both patient and team wellbeing. We’re growing, investing, and continuously improving, which means there’s never been a better time to join us.
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Care deeply about patient outcomes and customer experience
- Enjoy working collaboratively and supporting others
- Communicate clearly, empathetically and confidently
- Are organised, proactive and calm under pressure
- Want to be part of building something new
Ready to be part of something from day one? If you’re looking for more than just a job and want to help shape a surgery from the very beginning, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Vet in London employer: The Pet Vet
At The Pet Vet, we offer a unique opportunity for the Head Vet to lead a brand-new veterinary surgery, allowing you to shape the practice from the ground up. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our internal leadership training, CPD allowances, and a supportive work culture that prioritises both patient care and team wellbeing. With a focus on work-life balance, generous holiday allowances, and a family-owned ethos, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Vet in London
✨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 Vet at The Pet Vet.
✨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 The Pet Vet!
✨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 Head Vet.
✨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 The Pet Vet.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Vet in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Head Vet at The Pet Vet, 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 Vet at The Pet Vet. 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 The Pet Vet will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pet Vet
✨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.