Cheshire based small animal Head vet/experienced vet vacancy

Bright Leaf Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Cheshire is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon for a role that offers a salary of up to £75,000. This position includes responsibilities such as mentoring junior vets and ensuring high standards of care in a well-equipped and welcoming environment. With flexible working options, including part-time shifts and no out-of-hours work, this role is ideal for those looking to balance their professional commitments with personal life. Join a dedicated team offering excellent career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £75,000

Contributory pension scheme

Paid professional memberships

Qualifications

• Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with strong clinical skills.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior veterinary staff.
• Passion for high standards of animal care.

Responsibilities

• Work with the practice owner to maintain high clinical standards.
• Mentor junior colleagues and guide their development.
• Deliver outstanding veterinary care to local pets.

Skills

Clinical decision-making

Mentoring junior vets

Surgical skills

Medical case management

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound

Blood pressure monitoring equipment

In-house laboratory

Job description

This standalone veterinary practice in the heart of Cheshire is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who is ready to take the next step in their career, ideally into a Head Vet position. The role provides the chance to make a genuine difference to the standard of care delivered to local pets while working in a spacious, well‑equipped surgery within a close‑knit community. A competitive salary of up to £75,000 (full‑time equivalent, dependent on experience) is available, alongside genuine clinical freedom and strong support for professional development.

Based in a charming market town surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Peak District, while remaining well connected to nearby towns, they are based within an easy commute from Crewe, Alsager, Stoke and surrounding areas. Manchester city centre is less than an hour away, and the practice benefits from excellent transport links, with the M6 close by and reliable local bus and train services.

The successful candidate will work closely with the practice owner, whose hands‑on leadership style allows decisions to be made quickly and ensures that clinical opinions are valued and acted upon. This collaborative approach creates an environment where high clinical standards are maintained while encouraging innovation, autonomy and personal growth. The role will involve mentoring and supporting junior vets, helping to guide their development and ensuring excellent standards of patient care across the practice.

The position can be offered on either a full‑time or part‑time basis, allowing flexibility to achieve a healthy work‑life balance and accommodate external commitments. Working hours include Saturday mornings only, from 9am to 12pm, on a one‑in‑four rota. There is no out‑of‑hours or Sunday working, reinforcing the practice’s commitment to staff wellbeing. While the role is ideally suited to a Head Vet, applications are also welcomed from experienced vets who may prefer to settle into the practice before progressing, with clear career pathways available.

The practice itself is a light, spacious standalone surgery. It is fully equipped with modern facilities including digital X‑ray, ultrasound, blood pressure monitoring and an in‑house laboratory. The practice is run locally by a Registered Veterinary Nurse who qualified in 1995 and brings a wealth of experience to the team, particularly in wound management, radiography and surgical procedures. His supportive leadership style offers the reassurance of accessible decision‑making while allowing clinicians the freedom to practise medicine in the best interests of their patients.

The veterinary team currently consists of three vets, equivalent to two full‑time roles, including two highly experienced clinicians and a more recent graduate with a special interest in exotics. They are supported by a strong nursing and support team of three RVNs, one SVN and two receptionists. The practice prides itself on being friendly, inclusive and collaborative, with regular team days out to strengthen relationships and maintain a positive working culture. The team is also proud to work within a certified Autism Friendly Surgery, ensuring an inclusive environment for both colleagues and clients.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who is confident in both medical and surgical cases and is passionate about delivering consistently high standards of care. Alongside clinical responsibilities, the role includes guiding and mentoring junior colleagues and helping to shape the future direction of the practice. Support for CPD and certificates is actively encouraged, and vets with special interests are welcomed and supported.

By joining this practice, the successful candidate will become part of a dedicated team committed to providing outstanding veterinary care at the heart of the local community. In addition to a salary of up to £75,000 (DOE, FTE), the role offers excellent career development opportunities, a contributory pension scheme, paid professional memberships including RCVS and VDS.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity or wish to apply, please don't hesitate to contact [e-mail] or give us a call at 01422 433900. We are dedicated to assisting talented Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons and nurses like you in finding the ideal job.