Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

Hawkedon & Homefield Vets is looking for a friendly, organised, and compassionate receptionist to become the first point of contact for clients and their pets. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring every visit to the practice is a positive experience. This part-time role is based in Hawkedon, Bury St Edmunds, working 25 hours across a 5-day week, giving you genuine flexibility alongside a supportive team environment.

The practice operates across two sites and prides itself on collaborative teamwork and excellent standards of care. You’ll be part of a welcoming group where professionalism and genuine care for clients go hand in hand.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet clients and their pets with warmth and professionalism
• Manage phone calls, emails, and appointment bookings for the practice
• Handle payments and maintain accurate client records
• Manage debt control processes in line with practice procedures
• Handle pet insurance claims, including liaising with clients, insurers, and the clinical team
• Provide administrative support to the clinical team

Requirements

• Approachable and courteous manner
• Strong organisational skills and excellent telephone manner
• Confident problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently
• Capacity to handle sensitive conversations around payment and insurance with professionalism and discretion
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Previous veterinary experience is ideal but not essential

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave plus additional leave on your birthday
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits reward gateway with discounts and cashback from hundreds of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care
• Competitive salary

About the Practice

Hawkedon & Homefield Vets is a two-site small animal practice based in Bury St Edmunds, operating as part of IVC Evidensia (part of Mars Veterinary Health). The practice is known for its collaborative team culture and commitment to delivering excellent standards of care.