Head Vet

Firstvets (Heaton); Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive veterinary practice in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Head Vet to lead their veterinary team. This role offers both full-time and part-time options with a salary up to £80k, depending on experience. You will be responsible for maintaining clinical standards and mentoring staff in a supportive environment. Key responsibilities include leading the team, ensuring patient care, and managing operational elements. The practice offers a comprehensive benefits package, emphasizing staff wellbeing and professional development.

Benefits

Dedicated CPD support

Wellbeing initiatives

Cycle to Work scheme

Health cash plans

Qualifications

• Highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical capability and proven leadership skills.
• Natural mentor who enjoys developing and supporting colleagues.
• Collaborative team player who brings professionalism and energy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the veterinary team to uphold clinical standards.
• Deliver outstanding care to clients and patients.
• Manage the veterinary team including competency assessments and rota planning.

Skills

Leadership qualities

Clinical capability

Team player

Proactive problem-solving

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head Vet to join Firstvets in Heaton, located in the heart of vibrant Newcastle in the North East of England. Offering up to £80k DOE, FTE, we're open to both full-time and part-time applicants and welcome flexible working arrangements. Let us know what suits you best.

The role:

We are seeking a Head Vet to join our team, with flexibility for either a full-time position or part-time hours for the ideal candidate. You'll be supported by an experienced Senior Clinical Director, Practice Manager, and Head Nurse.

About us:

Across our three sites, our fantastic team includes an experienced team of vets, RVNs, SVNs, Patient Care Assistants and a receptionist team – many of whom have been with Firstvets for years.

Patient and client care are at the heart of everything we do. We continually strive to enhance our clinical standards and customer experience.

We're looking for someone with excellent leadership qualities – approachable, supportive, and able to integrate seamlessly into a team that feels like family. Strong organisational ability is key.

You’ll be joining an established, friendly, and supportive team within a well‑equipped, forward‑thinking practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the veterinary team, upholding exceptional clinical standards and a culture of excellence.
• Deliver outstanding care to clients and patients in line with best practices and RCVS guidelines.
• Work closely with the Practice Manager to maintain and elevate clinical standards, contributing to strategic planning and service development.
• Manage the veterinary team, including routine check‑ins, competency assessments, salary discussions, and rota planning in collaboration with the Practice Manager.
• Participate in business performance activities such as budgeting, financial planning, and optimisation of client service.
• Be clinically confident and able to manage both surgical, medicine and emergency cases.
• Lead on innovation by introducing progressive medical and surgical techniques to enhance patient outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients through first‑class care and.cleaned communication.

What we are looking for:

• A highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical capability and proven leadership skills.
• A natural mentor who enjoys developing and supporting colleagues.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused individual with resilience and a positive outlook.
• A collaborative team player who brings professionalism and energy.
• A forward‑thinking leader eager to help shape the future of our practice.

Youe will be passionate about coaching, empowering your team, and consistently driving high standards of patient and client care. Your leadership will be key to our continued development as a centre of excellence.

Hours:

Full‑time: 40 hours per week.
We’re happy to holdem part‑time and flexible options – please tell us what you’re looking for.

Rewards & Benefits:

We offer access to a comprehensive benefits package, including the below. To learn more about What We Offer:

• Dedicated CPD support and access to a suite of internal courses developed by our in‑house learning & development team of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including access to over 280 wellbeing champions across our group.
• Other Health and Wellbeing benefits include the Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work scheme, and discounted Gym Membership.
• Forward‑thinking policies including fertility treatment, Pregnancy Loss, extended sick pay, enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave.
• CVS Save as you earn scheme – purchase discounted shares in the company and benefit from the Group’s increase in share price over that time!
• Health cash plans, discounted critical illness cover, 8 weeks’ pay to support exceptional life events, and private medical insurance available after the first month of service at discounted rates.
• Vet Oracle, our support platform for veterinary colleagues that provides expert advice and support across a range of clinical areas.
• Giving Back Day – a chance to volunteer for a charity/cause of your choice.
• RCVS and VDS support.
• Discounted Treatment for your Pet/s.

To apply:

If you’d like to find out more, please contact: Amy Cotter, Senior Clinical Director – [e-mail] or Dave, Resourcing Partner – [e-mail].

Or, to apply, click Apply Now, and we’ll be in touch.