About the Role
This is a full-time receptionist position based at South Wales Vets' Abertillery site, part of a well-established four-branch small animal practice spanning Abertillery, Blackwood, Risca and Newport. You'll be working 40 hours per week across four days, with Saturday rotas falling on a 1:4 basis. The practice sits within easy reach of the Brecon Beacons—perfect if you value outdoor space and countryside living—and is just 30 minutes from Cardiff for those times you want a bit more buzz.
As the first point of contact for clients, you'll play a central role in setting the tone for every interaction. Working alongside a dedicated team of reception staff, 2 vets and 4 nurses, you'll manage the appointment book, handle enquiries with care, process payments and support the smooth flow of the practice from morning through to evening. The practice is well-equipped with in-house laboratory facilities, ultrasonography, digital X-ray, capnography, ECG and blood pressure monitoring—so you're part of a practice with real clinical depth.
You'll work between 8:30 am and 7 pm on weekdays, with Saturday shifts from 9 am to 6 pm as part of the rota. This is a genuine team environment where your role directly impacts how clients and their pets experience care.
Key Responsibilities
- Greet clients and answer telephone enquiries with professionalism and warmth
- Manage the appointment book—booking, cancelling and rearranging slots to keep the practice running smoothly
- Record and pass on client enquiries, following up appropriately
- Process payments using the practice PDQ system and allocate transactions correctly
- Promote practice services and manage debt control processes
- Cash up daily and maintain accurate records
- Keep the reception area clean, welcoming and well-organised
- Process and respond to clinic emails
- Attend team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement
Requirements
- Excellent communication skills and a naturally professional, welcoming manner
- Proven experience in a customer-facing role with strong attention to detail
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks in a busy environment without losing composure
- A collaborative team player who supports colleagues proactively
- Openness to feedback and willingness to learn and develop
- Organisational skills and reliability
Benefits
- Salary up to £26,528.32 DOE
- 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
- Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
- Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Pension scheme
- Discounted veterinary care
- Learning and development through the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to hundreds of retail discounts and cashback offers
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into practice leadership roles
- Supportive, values-led culture focused on care and continuous improvement
About the Practice
South Wales Vets is a four-branch small animal practice serving the South Wales community with locations across Abertillery, Blackwood, Risca and Newport. The practice is equipped with modern facilities including in-house laboratory, ultrasonography, capnography, digital X-ray, ECG and blood pressure monitoring. The team comprises experienced vets and nursing staff committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care.
The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. IVC Evidensia is committed to building careers without limits—supporting staff through investment in learning, innovation and wellbeing, with genuine opportunities to grow in confidence, capability and fulfilment at every career stage.
