Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; Braintree; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Head Veterinary Surgeon to lead a talented team in delivering exceptional veterinary care. This role involves overseeing clinical operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with medical standards. The practice emphasizes work-life balance and offers flexible hours, a supportive environment, and numerous professional development opportunities. Join a passionate team committed to providing the highest standard of care and making a real impact on patient outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking to advance their career in a dynamic and rewarding setting.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

CPD allowance

Company pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted pet treatment

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Research funding opportunities

Quality Improvement Programme

Qualifications

• Strong clinical decision-making skills and ability to work autonomously.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with a passion for mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of veterinary professionals, ensuring high standards.
• Manage clinical operations and foster a culture of excellence.

Skills

Clinical decision-making

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Surgery

Diagnostics

Emergency care

Business management

Job description

Salary up to £70,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 plus Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

As the Head Veterinary Surgeon, you will play a vital leadership role in delivering exceptional veterinary care and managing the clinical operations of our practice. You will oversee a team of talented veterinary surgeons and support staff, ensuring that all treatments are delivered to the highest standards. You will also have the opportunity to make a real impact on the development of the clinic, enhancing patient care and maintaining a positive working environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of veterinary professionals, providing guidance and support as needed.
2. Manage and oversee the delivery of clinical services, ensuring all procedures are carried out to the highest medical standards.
3. Foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and collaboration within the veterinary team.
4. Build strong relationships with clients, providing expert advice, compassionate care, and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
5. Oversee the implementation of best practices in clinical protocols and care.
6. Manage day-to-day clinical operations, including caseloads, scheduling, and supporting junior veterinary staff.
7. Take an active role in training and developing veterinary team members.
8. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards.
9. Actively contribute to business development, helping to drive growth and innovation within the practice.

A great place to work

At Apollo Vets, we are passionate about delivering the highest standard of care to our patients and exceptional service to their owners. We are now looking for an experienced and dedicated Head Veterinary Surgeon to join our dynamic team.

We are a three-site practice with a very family-friendly atmosphere. Our main site is set in the semi-rural village of Black Notley, surrounded by open fields and glorious countryside. Located just off the A120, a 15-minute car journey will take you to Stansted Airport, and we have direct train services into the City of London. We also have a branch clinic in Maldon and Dunmow. We would ask you to cover all three sites on a rota basis.

Our facilities include digital radiography including dental and ultrasonography. The best part about working for us is being part of our amazing team, which includes 3 Veterinary Surgeons supported by 6 registered veterinary nurses with many years of experience, 2 student veterinary nurses, a veterinary care assistant, 6 reception team members, and a Practice Director who is also a registered veterinary nurse. Our team also includes an exotic certificate holder, diagnostic imaging focus vets, and an anaesthetic certificate holder nurse.

Work-life balance that works for you

We are flexible with hours—whether you prefer shorter hours, 5 days a week, longer hours in 4 days, or part-time. We prioritize work-life balance to support our team in being their best selves. Our rota patterns and working hours are designed to be flexible, accommodating your lifestyle and career stage.

Our main branch operates Monday to Friday from 8 am to 7 pm, and our branch clinic from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. You will share Saturday mornings from 8 am to 1 pm on a 1:5 rota basis, with no out-of-hours requirements at our main site in Black Notley, Braintree.

What are we looking for

1. Strong clinical decision-making skills and the ability to work autonomously.
2. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a passion for mentoring and developing others.
3. A genuine commitment to providing exceptional care to patients and support to clients.
4. A proactive, forward-thinking attitude and the ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the practice.
5. Competency in various veterinary disciplines (e.g., surgery, diagnostics, emergency care).
6. Interest in business management and practice growth.

Because our people matter

We recognize that our people are fundamental to our success. Investing in our team, premises, and processes is central to our ethos. Benefits include:

Work-life balance

• 6.6 weeks annual leave, including bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay)
• Employee wellbeing initiatives

Development

• £1250 CPD allowance plus 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro-rata)
• Support for certificates and learning via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia
• Research funding opportunities for vets and nurses
• £1250 annual Care Fund for vets
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

Colleague Benefits

• Company pension scheme with contributions from IVC Evidensia
• Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes
• Voluntary benefits and retail discounts
• Discounted pet treatment at our practices