Veterinary Surgeon

Tempus Recruitment; Wareham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An exceptional opportunity awaits for an experienced small animal vet to take on a leadership role as Head Veterinary Surgeon. This position offers a blend of clinical responsibilities and strategic oversight, allowing you to influence clinical standards and mentor a dedicated team. Enjoy a flexible schedule across two community-focused clinics in the picturesque Purbeck region, with no out-of-hours requirements. If you're passionate about veterinary care and ready to lead with purpose, this role promises a rewarding career path and a fulfilling lifestyle in a beautiful area.

Benefits

6.6 weeks paid holiday

£1750 CPD Allowance

Health Shield contributions

RCVS Membership paid

Discounted veterinary fees

Cycle to Work scheme

Company sick pay

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong clinical experience in small animal practice.
• Experience in leadership or mentoring roles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities calmly.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support the veterinary team.
• Lead team meetings and manage the vet rota.
• Collaborate with the Branch Lead Nurse.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Clinical Experience

Mentoring

Surgery Skills

Education

Veterinary Medicine Degree

Job description

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Tempus Recruitment. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

The Package

• 6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays
• £1750 CPD Allowance per annum
• Health Shield – wide ranging contributions for health and wellbeingtreatments – from dentistry to sports massage
• RCVS Membership paid
• Two other membership subscriptions
• VDS cover
• Enhanced paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and surrogacy pay
• Discounted veterinary fees
• My Perks – offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel, entertainment and much more
• Cycle to Work scheme
• CPD/training support
• Company sick pay
• Colleague engagement survey
• Annual pay reviews
• Focus on employee wellbeing
• Career progression opportunities
  
  

Job Description

A rare opportunity has become available for an experienced small animal vet to step into a leadership position as Head Veterinary Surgeon at two well-established branches located in the heart of the scenic Purbeck region. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys both collaborative work and independent practice, with a desire to influence clinical standards, mentor a growing team, and lead the day-to-day operations of two community-focused clinics.

This is a flexible, part- or full-time role, based across two sites—one in a charming coastal town and the other in a lively market town. The standard full-time schedule consists of a four-day week with the same day off weekly, though this can be adapted to accommodate family-friendly hours or alternative preferences. There is no out-of-hours requirement thanks to collaboration with an external emergency service provider, allowing continuity of patient care without compromising your own work-life balance. Saturday mornings are shared on a rota and finish by 12:30pm.

The successful candidate will bring strong clinical experience, ideally in small animal practice, and a passion for mentoring colleagues. As Head Vet, you will guide and support your veterinary team, lead team meetings, manage the vet rota, collaborate closely with the Branch Lead Nurse, and help to resolve clinical queries and issues as they arise. Your voice will be valued in monthly leadership meetings where your insights will shape branch development, clinical direction, and overall culture.

This role combines clinical responsibilities with strategic oversight and offers plenty of scope for continued personal development. You’ll be supported by a leadership team including Advanced Practitioners and colleagues who prioritise teamwork, respect, and open communication. There is also the opportunity to influence future planning and business growth, all while being part of a team that genuinely cares for each other, their clients, and the animals they serve.

You will ideally have experience in a leadership or mentoring role, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and professionally. You should be confident with routine surgery and consultations, but more importantly, you’ll value collaboration and kindness in the workplace.

The surrounding area offers a truly enviable lifestyle. Dorset is rich with natural beauty, from dramatic coastlines and sandy beaches to peaceful woodlands and rolling countryside. The area boasts excellent opportunities for outdoor adventure, historic landmarks, vibrant local communities, and good transport links, including direct trains to London.

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to lead with purpose, grow your career, and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. If you’re ready to take the next step into leadership, all while being supported by a friendly, inclusive, and experienced team, we’d love to hear from you.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Health Care Provider

• Industries

  Veterinary Services

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