Head Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You will be joining Alnorthumbria in Ponteland as Head Veterinary Surgeon, working 37.5 to 40 hours per week across 4 days. Other working patterns are available, so there is scope to discuss the rota further.

The practice is described as well-equipped and supported by a friendly, experienced veterinary team. It is staffed 24/7 to support hospitalised inpatients and provide an out-of-hours service, and the site offers disabled access and parking.

This role suits an experienced veterinary surgeon who enjoys coaching others, shaping clinical standards and helping a practice move forward. The team mentions regular CPD, funded certificates and exposure to visiting and certificate-holding colleagues in diagnostic imaging, dermatology, referral dentistry, ECC and internal medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire the veterinary team.
• Work with the Practice Manager on clinical standards and service development.
• Carry out routine check-ins, competency assessments, salary discussions and rota planning alongside the Practice Manager.
• Take part in business performance activity, including budgeting and financial planning.
• Deliver surgical, medical and emergency care with clinical confidence.
• Introduce progressive medical and surgical techniques where appropriate.
• Build strong client relationships through compassionate communication.

Requirements

• You need to be an experienced veterinary surgeon.
• Strong clinical capability is required.
• You should be confident coaching and supporting colleagues.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach is expected.
• You should be resilient, positive and collaborative.

Benefits

• Salary of £70,000 per annum, DOE.
• Permanent role on site.
• 37.5 to 40 hours per week across 4 days.
• Other rota options are available.
• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full.
• Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses and fully funded postgraduate qualifications including CertAVP and PgCert, with tuition, exams and study leave covered.
• Up to 33 days holiday with the option to buy or sell leave.
• CVS Pension Scheme.
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, the Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring.
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies.
• Staff pet care discounts, including 50% off services, MiPet food and medications.

About the Practice

Alnorthumbria Ponteland is part of CVS and is based at Dobbies Garden Centre Street House Farm in Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, NE20 9BT. It is described as a well-equipped, first opinion practice with a friendly and experienced team.

The practice says it is staffed 24/7 to support inpatient care and out-of-hours service. It also notes visiting and certificate-holding clinicians in diagnostic imaging, dermatology, referral dentistry, ECC and internal medicine.