Head Veterinary Surgeon / Senior Veterinary Surgeon
County Durham
Up to £75,000 per annum, some flexibility depending on experience
Re-location allowance available
Sponsorship available, must have UK experience
Full-time or part-time, with flexibility over working days
Permanent role; fixed-term options also considered
Lead clinical standards, develop your colleagues and help shape the future of a veterinary practice, while keeping patient care at the heart of your work.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head / Senior Veterinary Surgeon or experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon for an established practice in beautiful County Durham. Whether you are already leading a clinical team or ready to take on greater responsibility, this role offers the scope to combine hands‑on veterinary work with mentoring and service development.
Full-time hours are 40 per week, with part-time arrangements and flexibility over working days available to suit your circumstances.
Your role and impact
You will champion exceptional patient‑centred care, bringing strong clinical judgement to consultations, investigations and treatment while supporting colleagues with case discussions and clinical decisions. Alongside your own caseload, you will help maintain consistent standards, improve day‑to‑day efficiency and identify practical ways to develop the service.
Coaching will be an important part of your role. You will encourage colleagues’ confidence and capability, support collaborative decision‑making and work closely with the nursing and practice management teams to keep clinical care and operations working well together.
The practice environment
The practice operates from recently relocated, purpose‑built premises, with dedicated consultation spaces, separate cat and dog waiting areas, an in‑house pharmacy, and modern preparation and theatre facilities. On‑site parking and an electric vehicle charging point are available.
You will be supported by experienced veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, nursing support colleagues, reception staff and a Practice Manager. The nursing team actively undertakes Schedule 3 work and delivers nurse consultations, including geriatric and weight‑management clinics. Regular case discussions support shared learning in a friendly, caring and well‑organised environment.
The location offers access to Durham and Newcastle, with commuting options across County Durham, Tyne and Wear and the surrounding region.
What you will bring
You will be an experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical capability and a genuine interest in helping others develop. A collaborative, solutions‑focused approach will serve you well, alongside the resilience and professional judgement needed to balance patient care, client communication and clinical leadership.
You should enjoy empowering colleagues, maintaining high standards and turning ideas for improvement into practical changes. There is room here to contribute your experience while continuing to develop your own leadership or clinical interests.
Support and benefits
The package includes fully paid RCVS and VDS fees, a generous CPD allowance, access to a veterinary reference library and more than 450 learning courses. Fully funded postgraduate qualifications, including CertAVP and PgCert pathways, cover tuition, examinations and study leave.
You will also have access to specialist telemedicine advice, a wider clinical support network, regional clinical mentoring, on‑the‑job learning and opportunities to explore leadership or specialist development.
Benefits include up to 33 days’ holiday with the option to buy or sell leave, a pension scheme, an Employee Assistance Programme and enhanced family leave policies. Staff pet‑care discounts include 50% off services, alongside food and medication discounts. Benefits are pro‑rated for part‑time or fixed‑term appointments.
Regular wellbeing check‑ins, wellbeing champions, pastoral support and mentoring complement central operational support across areas such as HR, recruitment, IT and finance.
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Head Veterinary Surgeon in North East employer: Vetted Recruitment Limited
Vetted Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where veterinarians can thrive. With a focus on work-life balance, flexible hours, and ongoing professional development, our West London practice provides the perfect setting for dedicated professionals to deliver high-quality care while enjoying the benefits of a generous salary and a 4-day work week.
Contact Details:
Vetted Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Surgeon in North East
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Vetted Recruitment Limited often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vetted Recruitment Limited
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Vetted Recruitment Limited. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Vetted Recruitment Limited.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Vetted Recruitment Limited.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Vetted Recruitment Limited.
