Head Veterinary Surgeon

CVS Group UK; North East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous CPD allowance

33 days holiday

Health cash plan

Employee Assistance Programme

50% off pet care services

Job summary

CVS Group UK is seeking a Clinical Director or Practice Director for its Ashfield Vets location in Annfield Plain, County Durham. This position offers the opportunity to lead a team of veterinary professionals, ensuring high-quality patient care and operational excellence.

The role requires experience in complex case management and commercial leadership. Benefits include full RCVS & VDS fees coverage, generous CPD allowances, up to 33 days holiday, and health cash plans.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Veterinary Surgeon with complex case management skills.
• Proven commercial and strategic leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead on clinical excellence and oversee complex cases.
• Drive business performance and optimize resources.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Complex case management

Commercial acumen

Operational management

Financial acumen

Education

Senior Veterinary Surgeon

Job description

Role Overview

Clinical Director or Practice Director (fixed‑term contract) at Ashfield Vets, Annfield Plain, County Durham.

Hours and Rota

Full time: 40 hours a week. Part‑time is negotiable.

About the Practice

Our practice is purpose built for high‑quality care, featuring three consultation rooms plus a dedicated nurse/cat consultation room, separate cat and dog waiting areas, an in‑house pharmacy, and a state‑of‑the‑art prep room and theatre. We also offer on‑site parking with an electric car charging point.

You will be supported by an experienced team of two vets, four RVNs, a PCA, an SVN, a reception team, and a Practice Manager, all contributing to smooth day‑to‑day running.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Director – Experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon. Provide strong clinical and people leadership. Lead on clinical excellence, oversee complex cases, ensure best practice in line with RCVS and Clinical Governance standards. Mentor and support team, foster continuous improvement, deliver outstanding patient and client care.
• Practice Director – Commercially focused strategic leader responsible for overall operational and financial performance. Work closely with Regional Director, drive business performance, optimise resources, support sustainable growth. Lead and engage teams, champion development, ensure alignment with company values, enhance client and colleague experience.

Leadership Values

• Inclusivity – Valuing diverse perspectives
• Collaboration – Encouraging open communication
• Accountability – Supporting honest conversations through regular feedback
• Role Modelling – Leading with integrity and consistency
• Empathy – Supporting wellbeing while driving high performance

Qualifications

• For Clinical Director: Senior Veterinary Surgeon with experience in complex case management.
• For Practice Director: Proven commercial and strategic leadership experience, strong operational and financial acumen.

Benefits

• RCVS & VDS fees paid in full.
• Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams and study leave covered.
• Up to 33 days holiday (option to buy/sell).
• CVS Pension Scheme.
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and regional clinical leads for case support and mentoring.
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies.
• Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food and medications.

Location

Annfield Plain, County Durham – commutable to Newcastle, Sunderland, Darlington and surrounding areas.