Head Veterinary Surgeon

GLG Vets; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A compassionate veterinary organization in Northwest London seeks an experienced Head Veterinary Surgeon. This leadership role involves managing a small clinical team and providing hands-on veterinary care, particularly in shelter medicine and community veterinary care. The position offers a competitive salary around £70,000 and a chance to make a meaningful impact on both animals and people. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of clinical experience and strong leadership skills, with a willingness to work flexible hours including weekends.

Benefits

Competitive salary around £70,000 DOE

Non-commercial mission-driven environment

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Registered with the MRCVS, with at least 5 years of clinical experience.
• Confident in performing routine first-opinion surgeries and handling diagnostics.
• Experience in team management and clinic operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a clinical team, ensuring high standards of veterinary care.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the clinic.
• Provide hands-on veterinary care, focusing on routine surgeries.
• Advise on veterinary matters and contribute to future initiatives.
• Manage time efficiently and take sole charge when necessary.

Skills

Clinical experience

Surgical expertise

Leadership skills

Time management

Flexibility

Education

Registered with the MRCVS

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Head Veterinary Surgeon to join our team in Northwest London. This is a unique leadership position in a non-commercial environment, ideal for a compassionate and skilled vet who wants to make a meaningful impact by supporting both animals and people in need. You will manage a small team of 2 vets and 3 nurses, providing hands‑on care to centre animals and pets in the local community.

This position would suit someone with a strong interest or experience in shelter medicine or community veterinary care.

Location: Northwest London
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Hours per week: 35 (including some weekend and bank holiday work)
Salary: Circa £70,000 (dependent on experience)

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Lead and manage a clinical team, ensuring the highest standards of veterinary care.
• Clinic Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the clinic, including surgeries, diagnostics, and patient care.
• Veterinary Care: Provide hands‑on care, with a focus on routine surgeries and diagnostics, while allocating time for management and administrative tasks.
• Strategic Input: Advise the charity on veterinary matters and contribute to the development of future programmes and initiatives.
• Independent Work: Take sole charge of the clinic when necessary, while managing your own time efficiently.

About You

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced veterinary surgeon who meets the following criteria:

• Qualifications: Registered with the MRCVS, with at least 5 years of clinical experience.
• Surgical & Diagnostic Expertise: Confident in performing routine first‑opinion surgeries and handling diagnostics.
• Leadership Skills: Experience in team management and clinic operations, with a proven ability to lead and inspire a clinical team.
• Time Management: Strong organisational skills, able to work independently, prioritise tasks, and manage both clinical and administrative responsibilities.
• Flexibility: Willing to work some weekends and bank holidays, with a flexible and adaptable approach.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary around £70,000 DOE
• The opportunity to work in a non-commercial, mission-driven environment
• A small, supportive team dedicated to providing compassionate care
• A role that makes a real difference to both people and animals in need

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest