At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical standards and mentor colleagues while providing exceptional patient care.
- Company: Established veterinary practice in beautiful County Durham with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Up to £75,000 salary, generous CPD allowance, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of veterinary practice while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical judgement and mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
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.
Head Veterinary Surgeon employer: Vetted Recruitment
Join a leading veterinary practice in the picturesque County Durham, where you can thrive as a Head Veterinary Surgeon. With a strong emphasis on patient care and employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and continuous learning. Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including CPD allowances and wellbeing support, and the opportunity to shape the future of veterinary care while making a meaningful impact on both colleagues and patients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Surgeon
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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✨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 Vetted Recruitment!
✨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 Veterinary Surgeon.
✨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 Vetted Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Head Veterinary Surgeon at Vetted Recruitment, 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 Vetted Recruitment. 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 Vetted Recruitment will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vetted Recruitment
✨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.
