At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering exceptional emergency care for pets.
- Company: Join Vets Now, a leading veterinary clinic dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, CPD allowance, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and strong support network to help you thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pets' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with a passion for emergency care and team mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
Collaborate, thrive, and save pets’ lives. At Vets Now, we believe that when your purpose is to make a difference, you deserve a team that shares your passion. In our Gateshead clinic, we’re looking for a Head/Lead Veterinary Surgeon to lead from the front, inspiring clinical excellence and guiding a high performing and collaborative team that supports pets and people when they need it most.
Gateshead is one of our busiest and most established clinics, operating from a PDSA host practice. The clinic has built a reputation for delivering emergency and critical care to an exceptionally high standard and is recognised internally as a fast paced, rewarding environment for ambitious ECC professionals. With a high and varied caseload, Gateshead offers outstanding opportunities for clinical development and exposure to a broad range of emergency presentations. The clinic is supported by a dedicated team and regularly attracts locum vets due to the volume and complexity of cases. Recruitment opportunities within the permanent team are highly valued, making this an exciting opportunity for a clinician looking to make a lasting impact in a respected ECC setting. The clinic also benefits from excellent public transport links, making commuting straightforward from across the North East and surrounding areas.
As part of the wider Vets Now network, Gateshead plays a vital role in providing trusted out of hours emergency care to pets across the region.
Lead with Clinical Excellence
As Head/Lead Vet, you’ll lead by example by blending clinical expertise with mentorship and collaboration. You’ll set the tone for quality care, lead in emergency situations, and support the development of your fellow clinicians. You’ll have responsibility for:
- Driving and upholding clinical standards across the clinic
- Supporting the growth, training and wellbeing of your veterinary team
- Identifying clinical development opportunities and shaping team progression
- Championing innovation and service improvement within the clinic
This is more than a job. This is a vital leadership role with real impact, where your guidance helps shape the future of ECC while making a difference to patients, clients and colleagues every day.
Work-Life Balance That Works For You
This full-time role averages 40 hours per week, including:
- Weekday nights and 1:2 weekends (mix of nights and days)
- Night shifts 18:00–09:00, Saturday day 12:00–18:30 and Sunday day 08:30–18:30
- Shared bank holidays
- No more than three consecutive nights
- Protected time for leadership duties and meetings
We understand that life outside of work matters too. That’s why we offer flexibility and can explore part-time arrangements, depending on clinic requirements, because your balance is our priority.
Rewarding Work, Your Way
We look after you, so you can look after them, by offering a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Salary up to £85,000 DOE
- Seven weeks pro rata annual leave
- £1,875 CPD allowance plus 35 paid CPD hours (pro rata)
- RCVS fees, VECCS membership and VDS cover
- Private medical insurance
- Family-friendly policies – enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Leadership Development Programme
- Access to our AdvantEdge clinical training platform
- Standard pension contributions (5% employee / 3% employer)
- Up to 50% discounted pet care
Support That Sets You Up for Success
You’re never alone at Vets Now. On shift, you’ll work alongside a Registered Veterinary Nurse, Animal Care Assistant and Receptionist, with access to colleagues across our nationwide network of clinics and referral centres whenever you need additional support or a second opinion. You’ll also be supported by our Support Office in Dunfermline, where our dedicated teams work behind the scenes to help you thrive. Our Call Handlers and Customer Care Advisors ensure you can focus on what matters most delivering exceptional patient care.
Ready to Lead with Purpose?
If you’d like to visit the clinic or chat about the role before applying, contact Jessica in our Talent Team at: jessica.allcock@vets-now.com
Inclusion and Accessibility
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability or health condition, we’re committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Gateshead employer: Vets Now
At Vets Now, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners, and our Gateshead clinic exemplifies this commitment. With a collaborative work culture that prioritises clinical excellence and employee wellbeing, we offer exceptional opportunities for professional growth, including a generous CPD allowance and leadership development programmes. Our supportive environment, combined with flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, makes Vets Now an outstanding employer for passionate veterinary professionals looking to thrive in a rewarding ECC setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 clinical achievements, case studies, and any innovative practices you've implemented. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to clinical excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. Focus on how you can lead and inspire a team, as that’s key for the Head Vet role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about Vets Now, making it easier for us to connect with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for veterinary care shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in pets' lives and how that aligns with our mission at Vets Now.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs, especially in emergency and critical care settings.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our Gateshead clinic.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vets Now
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge, especially in emergency and critical care. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices and innovations in veterinary medicine, as this will show your passion and commitment to clinical excellence.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team or mentored colleagues in the past. Vets Now is looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so be ready to discuss your approach to leadership and how you support team development.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions and how you handled them, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the clinic's operations, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the clinic aligns with your career goals.
