Contract Type: Permanent
Location: London
Hours per Week: 35 (including some weekend and bank holiday work)
Salary: Circa £70,000 DOE

Are you an experienced and compassionate veterinary professional with leadership and management expertise? Do you want to make a meaningful impact by supporting both animals and people in need?

I am working with an independent clinic who are seeking a Head Veterinary Surgeon to lead their dedicated veterinary team at a respected animal welfare organisation in North London. This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role in a non-commercial environment, where your work will directly benefit vulnerable animals and their owners.

A state-of-the-art clinic provides care for animals in their rehoming centre and offers free preventive care—such as neutering and vaccinations—to pet owners in the local community who need support. They also run various outreach programs, including:

• Community Support Services: Providing guidance and supplies to struggling pet owners.
• Pet Refuge Scheme: Offering temporary housing for pets when owners face hospitalisation or housing challenges.
• Therapaws: A pet therapy initiative supporting well-being across the community.

About the Role

As Head Veterinary Surgeon, you will manage and lead a small clinical team comprising of two vets and three nurses, ensuring excellent standards of veterinary care for both the rehoming centre animals and community pets. This position combines hands-on veterinary work with managerial responsibilities, providing a balanced and rewarding career.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee a small veterinary team, fostering high-quality care and collaboration.
• Manage the daily operations of the clinic, including surgeries and diagnostics.
• Deliver hands-on veterinary care while allocating time for leadership and administrative duties.
• Provide expert veterinary advice to shape and support the organisation's future programs.
• Work independently and effectively manage time and priorities.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Qualified and Experienced: A registered MRCVS with at least five years of clinical experience, confident in routine surgeries and diagnostics.
• A Strong Leader: Skilled in management and team leadership, ideally with experience running a veterinary clinic.
• Adaptable and Organised: Flexible, with excellent time management and prioritisation abilities.
• Self-Reliant: Comfortable working in sole charge when required.

Experience or an interest in shelter medicine or community veterinary care is highly desirable, but not essential 

Why Join ?

This role offers the chance to lead in a supportive, non-commercial environment while making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their owners. It's an excellent opportunity for a Clinical Director or Senior Clinician seeking career growth in the charity sector.

Value work-life balance, offering:

• A 35-hour workweek.
• Some Saturday and Bank Holiday shifts (rotational).
• Light on-call duties limited to the animals in our care, with additional compensation for on-call work.

Apply today sending your CV to Stephanie.Hellier@gvcvets.com