Veterinary Surgeon - Team Lead

Animal Trust (UK); Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa Sponsorship available

CPD funding

Private Health Care

Pension scheme

RCVS fees paid

Cycle to work scheme

Store Discounts

Job summary

Animal Trust (UK) in Ashton-under-Lyne is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join as Development Team Leader. You will lead clinical training, mentor recent graduates, and work with the Lead Vet to improve training gaps and governance.

The role includes line management and supporting the Clinical Operations Lead in ensuring high standards of veterinary care. Responsibilities include coordinating VetGDP activities, overseeing performance, and developing a culture of continuous learning.

Qualifications

• MRCVS/FRCVS qualified with clinical governance experience.
• Leadership and mentoring of recent veterinary graduates required.
• Strong communication and organisational skills essential.
• Experience in training and mentoring graduates desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical training and development of new graduates on site.
• Serve as VetGDP Advisor and address training gaps with the team.
• Line manage graduates and, in absence of Lead Vet, supported experienced surgeons.
• Support clinical governance and uphold high standards of care.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Organisational

Education

MRCVS/FRCVS

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our team at Ashton as a Development Team Leader.

This pivotal role focuses on clinical leadership, mentorship, and development within the veterinary team. You will be responsible for overseeing the training and professional growth of recent veterinary graduates, contributing to clinical governance, and ensuring compliance with high clinical standards and the RCVS code of conduct.

As the Development Team Leader, you will support the delivery of clinical training, act as a VetGDP Advisor, and work closely with the Lead Vet to identify and address training gaps. You will also line manage a mix of new graduates recently qualified clinicians. In the absence of a Lead Vet, you will support the Clinical Operations Lead with line management of more experienced veterinary surgeons, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Training and Development

• Oversee the clinical development and training of new graduate and <3yr qualified vets on site, ensuring they progress confidently in their careers.
• Serve as a VetGDP (Graduate Development Programme) Advisor, supporting recent graduates through their training with good outcomes and in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the Lead Vet to identify and address training gaps within the team.
• Support the Lead Vet and Clinical Operations Lead with the delivery of training sessions and clinical development programs, ensuring high standards of veterinary care.

Mentorship and Line Management

• Line manage and mentor on site recent graduates (those on the foundation pay scale), providing them with ongoing guidance, feedback, and support.
• In the absence of a Lead Vet, collaborate with the Practice Manager and Clinical Operations Lead to line manage experienced veterinary surgeons.
• Assist with setting performance goals, conducting appraisals and supporting career development for the veterinary team.

Clinical Standards and Governance

• Assist Practice Manager and Lead Vet in maintaining and improving clinical standards within the clinical team.
• Assist Lead Vet and Practice Manager with clinical audit activity.
• Contribute to clinical governance initiatives by reviewing clinical performance of direct reports, ensuring training and compliance in line with company protocol.
• Collaborate with the site leadership and to uphold a high standard of care and service within the practice.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Attend site leadership meetings, deputise at lead vet meetings, and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the practice.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that prioritises patient care, professional growth, and clinical excellence.
• Collaborate with other senior members of the team to ensure smooth operational delivery on a day-to-day basis.
• Prepare for progression to a Lead Vet role, where appropriate, through ongoing leadership development and mentorship.

Qualifications and skills

• MRCVS/FRCVS.
• VetGDP accredited.
• Clinical experience in veterinary practice, with a strong foundation in mentoring and developing others.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills, with a passion for developing and supporting newly qualified clinicians.
• Previous experience in training and mentoring new graduates is desirable but not essential.
• An appreciation of the applications of clinical governance to maintaining standards of care.

Rota: 4 day week, set day off Thursday.

Weekend: 2:9 Saturdays

Hours: 38hrs/week

Benefits

• 6 weeks holiday, including bank holidays
• Visa Sponsorship available
• CPD and Certificate funding available
• Private Health Care
• 52 Weeks sickness benefit and free Employee assistance program — awarded after qualifying period
• Enhanced maternity and paternity package
• Contributory pension scheme
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Access to counselling support including mental health, financial and life counselling after 12 months of service
• Cycle to work scheme
• E-Car scheme
• Store Discounts from Perkbox
• Refer-a-Friend bonus
• Charity days

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive for all employees.