Senior Veterinary Surgeon, ECC

About the Role

This is a Head/Lead Veterinary Surgeon position within Vets Now's Middlesbrough emergency clinic, based at Jackie Patterson's Veterinary Hospital. You'll lead a multidisciplinary ECC team while providing out-of-hours emergency and critical care to the host practice plus approximately 16 surrounding practices, creating a diverse and clinically rewarding caseload. The full-time role averages 40 hours per week and includes weekday and weekend night shifts (19:00-09:00), plus Saturday and Sunday day and back shifts, with no more than three consecutive nights.

As Senior Vet, you'll blend clinical expertise with mentorship and collaboration, setting the tone for quality care while supporting your fellow clinicians' development. You'll work alongside a registered veterinary nurse, animal care assistant, and receptionist on shift, with access to the wider Vets Now network and support team across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and uphold clinical standards across the Middlesbrough clinic
• Lead emergency situations and mentor veterinary team members through complex cases
• Support the growth, training, and wellbeing of your clinical team
• Identify clinical development opportunities and shape team progression
• Champion innovation and service improvement within the clinic
• Manage a varied caseload across the referral network of surrounding practices

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon
• Proven experience in emergency and critical care practice
• Demonstrated clinical leadership and mentorship capability
• Ability to work night shifts and flexible weekend rotas
• Strong collaborative approach to team working and case discussion

Benefits

• Salary up to £90,000 depending on experience
• Seven weeks pro rata annual leave
• £1,875 CPD allowance plus 35 paid CPD hours (pro rata)
• RCVS fees and VECCS membership covered
• VDS cover included
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Leadership Development Programme
• Access to AdvantEdge clinical training platform
• Standard pension contributions (5% employee, 3% employer)
• Up to 50% discounted pet care

About the Practice

Vets Now is a specialist emergency and critical care provider operating a network of OOH clinics across the UK. The Middlesbrough clinic is established within Jackie Patterson's Veterinary Hospital and provides emergency coverage for the host practice and a network of approximately 16 surrounding practices. The service is supported by a dedicated back office team based in Dunfermline, enabling clinicians to focus on patient care.

The clinic operates as part of the wider Vets Now family, which includes access to referral centres and clinical support networks across the UK. Vets Now is a Disability Confident Employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.