Head Vet
Permanent Vet in Kent
ASAP - OPEN
45118
Kent
South East
- Accommodation not available
- Small Animal
- (Some) Sole Charge
- Full time
Head Veterinary Surgeon position - Permanent
• Day rate - £500-£600
• 4-5 days a week including the occasional Saturday
• 8:30 - 6pm
• Sole vet in charge
• Three vets currently in rotation alongside head vet.
The Head Veterinarian serves as the clinical leader and primary medical authority within our practice. This role combines advanced veterinary care with strategic leadership, ensuring the highest standards of medical excellence, team development, and operational efficiency. The Head Vet is responsible for overseeing all clinical services, mentoring veterinary staff, driving practice growth, and maintaining our reputation for compassionate, cutting-edge animal care.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Medical Excellence
· Provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and surgery across a diverse caseload.
· Establish and enforce medical protocols, standards of care, and safety procedures.
· Oversee complex medical and surgical cases; serve as the final clinical authority.
· Ensure compliance with all regulatory, ethical, and licensing requirements (e.g., RCVS/VCI, DEA, OSHA).
· Lead mortality and morbidity reviews and implement quality improvement initiatives.
· Stay current with veterinary advancements and integrate new technologies/treatments.
Team Management & Development
· Directly supervise associate veterinarians, technicians, and nursing staff.
· Foster a collaborative, positive, and educational clinic culture.
· Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and support career development.
· Organize and lead clinical rounds, continuing education, and training sessions.
· Manage staffing schedules, on-call rotas, and ensure adequate clinical coverage.
Practice Operations & Client Relations
· Work with Practice Manager to optimize clinic workflow, efficiency, and profitability.
· Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated client communications and ethical concerns.
· Ensure exceptional client service and client education standards are met.
· Contribute to the development of new services, pricing strategies, and marketing initiatives.
· Oversee inventory of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment.
Financial Stewardship
· Manage clinical budget and control costs related to medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
· Analyze practice metrics (e.g., average transaction fee, recheck compliance) to drive financial health.
· Balance superior patient care with the economic sustainability of the practice.
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential
· Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) or equivalent degree.
· Current licensure in good standing to practice veterinary medicine in the relevant country/state.
· Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive clinical experience, including leadership roles.
· Proven surgical and medical proficiency.
· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
· Strong business acumen and understanding of practice economics.
· Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Preferred
· Board certification or advanced training in a specialty area (e.g., surgery, internal medicine).
· Previous experience as a Head Vet, Clinical Director, or similar leadership role.
· Experience with practice management software and data analysis.
Personal Attributes
· Natural leader and mentor, able to inspire and motivate a team.
· Decisive and calm under pressure, especially in emergency situations.
· Empathetic communicator with clients and staff.
· Highly organized and strategic thinker.
· Unwavering integrity and ethical judgment.
..
• Day rate - £500-£600
• 4-5 days a week including the occasional Saturday
• 8:30 - 6pm
• Sole vet in charge
• Three vets currently in rotation alongside head vet.
The Head Veterinarian serves as the clinical leader and primary medical authority within our practice. This role combines advanced veterinary care with strategic leadership, ensuring the highest standards of medical excellence, team development, and operational efficiency. The Head Vet is responsible for overseeing all clinical services, mentoring veterinary staff, driving practice growth, and maintaining our reputation for compassionate, cutting-edge animal care.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Medical Excellence
· Provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and surgery across a diverse caseload.
· Establish and enforce medical protocols, standards of care, and safety procedures.
· Oversee complex medical and surgical cases; serve as the final clinical authority.
· Ensure compliance with all regulatory, ethical, and licensing requirements (e.g., RCVS/VCI, DEA, OSHA).
· Lead mortality and morbidity reviews and implement quality improvement initiatives.
· Stay current with veterinary advancements and integrate new technologies/treatments.
Team Management & Development
· Directly supervise associate veterinarians, technicians, and nursing staff.
· Foster a collaborative, positive, and educational clinic culture.
· Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and support career development.
· Organize and lead clinical rounds, continuing education, and training sessions.
· Manage staffing schedules, on-call rotas, and ensure adequate clinical coverage.
Practice Operations & Client Relations
· Work with Practice Manager to optimize clinic workflow, efficiency, and profitability.
· Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated client communications and ethical concerns.
· Ensure exceptional client service and client education standards are met.
· Contribute to the development of new services, pricing strategies, and marketing initiatives.
· Oversee inventory of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment.
Financial Stewardship
· Manage clinical budget and control costs related to medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
· Analyze practice metrics (e.g., average transaction fee, recheck compliance) to drive financial health.
· Balance superior patient care with the economic sustainability of the practice.
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential
· Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) or equivalent degree.
· Current licensure in good standing to practice veterinary medicine in the relevant country/state.
· Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive clinical experience, including leadership roles.
· Proven surgical and medical proficiency.
· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
· Strong business acumen and understanding of practice economics.
· Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Preferred
· Board certification or advanced training in a specialty area (e.g., surgery, internal medicine).
· Previous experience as a Head Vet, Clinical Director, or similar leadership role.
· Experience with practice management software and data analysis.
Personal Attributes
· Natural leader and mentor, able to inspire and motivate a team.
· Decisive and calm under pressure, especially in emergency situations.
· Empathetic communicator with clients and staff.
· Highly organized and strategic thinker.
· Unwavering integrity and ethical judgment.
..