Head Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £75,000 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:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of veterinary professionals, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Manage and oversee the delivery of clinical services, ensuring all procedures are carried out to the highest medical standards.
• Foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and collaboration within the veterinary team.
• Build strong relationships with clients, providing expert advice, compassionate care, and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
• Oversee the implementation of best practices in clinical protocols and care.
• Manage day-to-day clinical operations, including caseloads, scheduling, and supporting junior veterinary staff.
• Take an active role in training and developing veterinary team members.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards.
• 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. By far the best part about working for us is getting to be 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, so you are never short of support!

Work-life balance that works for you

We are open to all possibilities, so if you require shorter hours, 5 days a week or longer hours 4 days a week or even part-time, we are very flexible. We know work-life balance is very important at Apollo. Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, and that’s why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle no matter what stage you are in your career.

Our opening hours at our main branch are Monday to Friday 8 am – 7 pm and our branch clinic is open 8:30 am – 6:30 pm Monday to Friday. You will also work a share of 1:5 Saturday mornings between 8 am – 1 pm, with no out-of-hours requirement at our main site in Black Notley, Braintree.

What are we looking for

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

Because our people matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises, and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

Work-life balance

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

Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing

Development

• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

Colleague Benefits

• Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
• Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
• Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice