Head Veterinary Surgeon

The Pet Vet; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly recognition payments

CPD allowance

Leadership training

Income protection

Electric car scheme

25 days holiday

Maternity/Paternity pay

Wellbeing support

Compassionate leave

Job summary

The Pet Vet in Greater London seeks a Head Vet to lead a brand-new veterinary surgery, taking full clinical ownership and building your own team from day one.

This hands-on leadership role combines clinical work with strategic influence, setting standards, driving patient care, and shaping service delivery for the community.

You’ll enjoy a modern, well-equipped practice, ongoing leadership development, and a clear path to growth as the team expands.

Qualifications

• Strong all-round GP experience.
• Experience in leading, mentoring and developing others.
• Passion for high-quality patient care.
• Clear communication and trust-building with clients and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire clinical team
• Set and uphold high standards of clinical governance
• Deliver first-opinion medicine and surgery
• Support and develop colleagues
• Build relationships with clients and the local community
• Shape the culture and success of the practice

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

People management

Communication

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

We've opened brand-new veterinary surgery — and we’re looking for a Head Vet to lead it.

This is a rare opportunity to take full clinical ownership of a new practice, build your own team, and shape how care is delivered from the ground up.

Most leadership roles ask you to step into something already built. This one gives you the chance to create it. You’ll lead a modern, purpose-built surgery, fully equipped with the latest technology, influence clinical standards, team culture, and the overall direction of the practice.

As Head Vet, you'll be responsible for delivering excellence in both patient care and team performance.

You will

• Lead and inspire your clinical team
• Set and uphold high standards of clinical governance
• Deliver outstanding first-opinion medicine and surgery
• Support and develop your colleagues
• Build strong relationships with clients and the local community
• Play a key role in shaping the culture and success of the practice

This is a hands-on leadership role — combining clinical work with real influence and responsibility.

We’re looking for a confident, experienced Vet who:

• Has strong all-round GP experience
• Enjoys leading, mentoring and developing others
• Is passionate about high-quality patient care
• Communicates clearly and builds trust with clients and teams
• Wants to take ownership of a practice and make it their own

Working pattern

• 4 days per week (9-hour shifts)
• 1 in 4 weekends
• Average 39 hours per week
• Dedicated admin time built into every shift

We know that great people build great practices - so we invest in you.

Professional & financial

• Quarterly recognition payments
• CPD allowance + funded memberships
• Internal leadership training and career progression
• Income protection
• Electric car scheme

Work-life balance & wellbeing

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Help at Hand wellbeing support
• Compassionate leave

About The Pet Vet

We are part of a nationwide, independent, family-owned veterinary group with a clear purpose:

To help pets live long, happy and healthy lives with the people who love them.

Our surgeries are designed to feel different: calm, modern, and built around both patient and team wellbeing.

We’re growing, investing, and continuously improving, which means there’s never been a better time to join us.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Care deeply about patient outcomes and customer experience
• Enjoy working collaboratively and supporting others
• Communicate clearly, empathetically and confidently
• Are organised, proactive and calm under pressure
• Want to be part of building something new

Ready to be part of something from day one?

If you’re looking for more than just a job and want to help shape a surgery from the very beginning, we’d love to hear from you.