Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Job Description

Introduction
Our Client is an independently owned hospital and operates as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). They are preparing to launch a brand-new veterinary hospital in Cwmbran, serving Torfaen and the surrounding areas, with plans to open in early 2027. The hospital will provide accessible, affordable, high-quality veterinary care while operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering continuous patient care and emergency services. Their commitment to affordable veterinary medicine, including free daytime consultations and transparent pricing, enables them to deliver outstanding care while supporting a varied and rewarding caseload.

Working Hours / Rota
This is a full-time position working 40 hours across four days per week. The role includes participation in a 2 in 9 weekend rota as part of the hospital team. As the hospital operates 24/7, the successful candidate will contribute to delivering continuous patient care and emergency services.

Role Description
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join a brand-new hospital from its inception while taking on a leadership role within the clinical team. Working alongside the Practice Manager and Lead Nurse, the successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of the hospital, helping to establish a positive culture and ensuring consistently high clinical standards.

The role involves coaching and mentoring the veterinary team, embedding the organisation’s values throughout the practice and leading by example in delivering exceptional patient care. Clinical responsibilities will be complemented by involvement in evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs) and profit and loss performance to support the continued success of the hospital. The position also offers the opportunity to contribute to staff development through one-to-one meetings, performance management and leading clinical governance and staff meetings.

Team Size
The successful candidate will work closely with a dedicated leadership team consisting of the Practice Manager and Lead Nurse while leading and mentoring the hospital’s team of Veterinary Surgeons. Together, they will build a collaborative and supportive environment as the new hospital grows.

Practice Details
The hospital is a brand-new, purpose-built veterinary hospital scheduled to open in early 2027. As an independently owned, not-for-profit Community Interest Company, it is unique within the UK veterinary sector, focusing on providing affordable, accessible veterinary care rather than maximising profit.

Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the hospital will provide continuous inpatient and emergency care alongside routine veterinary services. Its affordable consultation model and transparent pricing structure will support a varied clinical caseload, offering excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Veterinary Surgeon with strong clinical skills and a passion for mentoring and developing colleagues. They will possess excellent communication skills and enjoy building positive relationships with both clients and the wider practice team.

Candidates should be confident leading staff and clinical governance meetings, conducting one-to-one meetings and supporting performance management. Holding a VetGDP qualification is desirable, although applicants willing to obtain the qualification are encouraged to apply. An interest in evaluating business KPIs and profit and loss performance would be advantageous but is not essential.

This is just some of the information about the job and company, but there will be more questions. Tempus Veterinary Recruitment is happy to get those questions answered for you during the recruiting process. Tempus Veterinary Recruitment is here to make the recruiting process simple and stress free.

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