Receptionist

About the Role

This is a full-time fixed-term contract for 6 months with potential for extension or permanent status. You’ll be the first point of contact for clients and their pets, setting the tone for their experience at The Neighbourhood Vet. Working 40 hours per week across a variety of shifts including 1:4 weekends, you’ll manage the busy reception desk whilst supporting clinical and non-clinical colleagues to ensure smooth daily operations.

The Neighbourhood Vet is an established 20-vet practice in SE London with a main hospital on Lordship Lane in East Dulwich, plus branch clinics in Crofton Park and Penge. Despite its size, the team maintains a close-knit, caring culture where kindness and laughter are genuinely valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet clients and patients professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming first impression
• Handle client enquiries via phone, email, and face-to-face with attention to detail and empathy
• Manage appointments and support the smooth flow of the practice schedule
• Advise clients on preventative healthcare products and services
• Perform general administration and reception duties
• Work collaboratively with the practice team to support both clinical and non-clinical staff

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills with a professional, welcoming manner
• Experience in a customer-facing role with strong focus on service and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy environment
• Collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues
• Proactive attitude with openness to feedback and learning
• Friendly, organised, and customer-focused personality

Benefits

• 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
• Learning and development via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to high street discounts and cashback
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into client care and practice leadership roles

About the Practice

The Neighbourhood Vet is a 20-vet practice established over 12 years ago in SE London, with a main hospital on Lordship Lane in East Dulwich and two branch clinics in Crofton Park and Penge. The practice treats dogs, cats, small pets, and is exotic and rabbit friendly. With a team of 72 staff members, it has earned a reputation as a close-knit, caring workplace where staff and clients are treated with genuine compassion.

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 supporting career development without limits, investing in learning, innovation, and wellbeing to help teams grow in confidence and capability at every career stage.