Job Description
We have had an incredible 10 years with our Swindon practice becoming one of the largest first opinion single site practices in the UK. Our second site at Reading opened last year and is proud to have achieved consistent 5 star Google as it has grown.
Over the next few years, we plan to expand into similar sites and a new 24 hr hospital site, which will feature permanent CT. We hope to expand the range of affordable services available to our clients through additional equipment and a certificate led referral service.
We are looking for an experienced vet to help lead the team in Reading and cover maternity leave as Head Vet from March 2023. However, due to our growth plans there will be an ongoing opportunity for the right candidate to take on a permanent Senior role at Reading, or Swindon if preferred. There will also be new Head Vet roles created through our expansion plans in 2024/25.
We are open to applications from Veterinary Surgeons who are looking for their next Head Vet role or those who have had management experience but not yet taken on the full responsibilities for a practice. Support and training will be provided.
Ideally, you will be confident with routine medicine, surgery and emergencies and have a passion for working with and developing a large team. As an independent practice the Head Vets have flexibility to define shifts and rotas as well as influence change to improve clinical practices and protocols.
Our full-time vets work a 4-day week and share the Saturday rota, with Reading closing at 12 midday. There is no out-of-hours or in-patient on call as this is outsourced locally. We have dedicated nurses for our vet shifts, so you will always have someone on hand to help handle patients, write notes, put up meds etc and the fact that clients have real time updates on any hospitalised patient not only provides them peace of mind, but it saves on fielding worried phone calls.
We believe in the importance of a work-life balance, making the rota flexible in a way that works for each individual team member, so if you’re not looking for a full-time position, we would still love to hear from you.
We are a lovely, friendly team who enjoy getting together outside of work, whether for our annual Christmas party, the summer BBQ, a bit of friendly competition at bowling or laser quest or a trip to the Bridgwater carnival.
There is lots to do in and around Swindon, whether you fancy a leisurely stroll around Coate Water Country Park, shopping up a storm at the Designer Outlet, unleashing your inner train spotter at the Museum of Great Western Railway or having a quick trip around the magic roundabout! Travel links are great, with easy access to the M4 and some of the UK’s most beautiful areas, such as the Cotswolds or Wiltshire Downs. There are also regular train services to Bristol and London, which can both be reached in under an hour.
Here’s a summary of what we offer:
· Salary of £65,000 to £75,000 (FTE - depending on experience and additional responsibilities).
· No Sundays, out-of-hours, or inpatient on call.
· 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays.
· 5 days CPD, basic budget of £1600 with certificates encouraged, supported, and funded.
· Professional fees for RCVS and Veterinary Defence Society paid.
· Employee Assistance Programme (BUPA)
· Perk Box reward scheme.
· Cycle to Work scheme.
· Visas sponsored.
· Bring your dog to work facilities.
So, if you’re looking to progress your career in a practice that offers both the clinical freedom to work up your cases and the support of an experienced team, please give us a call for an informal chat or apply now.
A bit more about our practice
From our revolutionary glass-fronted prep room to our clients having secure online access to their pets’ medical records, including real time updates on our patients, we believe in an open and transparent approach to veterinary care.
We are an independent, small animal practice which was set up in 2012 with the goal of changing the veterinary industry for the better. It is our purpose to make high quality veterinary care affordable and accessible to all pet owners and to do so in an environment where our team thrive, and their life work balance is valued and respected.
Our large, purpose-built practice in Reading was completed last year. It has state of the art, hospital standard facilities including dental x-ray, Laparoscopy, ultrasound, and full IDEXX laboratory including blood gases and Coags. We have visiting peripatetic specialists and now offer in-house orthopaedic procedures. Our Swindon practice also has a visiting CT.
We are a large friendly team of vets and nurses, with a mix of experience from new grads to experienced hands, so you will always have plenty of support available. We are committed to supporting the ongoing development of the team and currently six of our vets either have or are studying towards certification, including surgery and medicine. So, whatever your passion, we have the facilities, experience, and caseload to help you achieve your goals, whilst offering you the clinical freedom to work up your cases.
Job ID 34657