Vets Now
Senior Veterinary Surgeon
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Vacancy: Head/Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Gateshead Clinic
Collaborate, thrive, and save pets’ lives
At Vets Now, we believe that when your purpose is to make a difference, you deserve a team that shares your passion. In our Gateshead clinic — one of our busiest and most established — we’re looking for a Head/Lead Veterinary Surgeon to lead clinical excellence, guide a high-performing team, and drive transformational care to pets and people in their hour of need.
Our Gateshead clinic, operating from a PDSA host practice, is renowned for its exceptional emergency and critical care standards. Based in a dynamic environment that balances high-capacity case volumes with strong collaboration, it attracts both permanent and locum specialists. Whether you pursue a full-time role or temporary engagements, becoming part of such an accomplished team is a chance to make a lasting impact within an esteemed Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) setting.
With your guidance, the team’s experience will grow alongside the clinic’s excellence. Benefitting from well-connected transport links, our location offers convenient access from across North East England and surrounding regions. As part of the wider Vets Now network, Galeshead delivers trusted out-of-hours care across the region, prioritising urgent interventions when they matter most.
About the Role
A chance to take the lead in a team that thrives on speed, innovation, and compassion.
As Head/Lead Vet, you will inspire a climatical culture, provide hands-on mentorship, and foster teamwork—making every decision count for pets, clients, and colleagues. Your responsibilities will include:
- Setting rašing clinical standards and ensuring relentless excellence
- Supporting the growth, training, and wellbeing of the clinic team
- Guiding personal development and progression within the team
- Championing innovation and service improvements to better meet needs
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This leadership opportunity is more than just a job—it’s about saving lives, improving systems, and leaving a legacy in veterinary emergency care.
Hero Averaging 40 Hours Per Week
This comprehensive schedule reflects a commitment to clinical excellence while accommodating a fulfilling lifestyle. Typical arrangements include:
- Weekday nights and limited weekend shifts (once every two weekends)
- Night shifts (18:00–09:00)
- Saturday days shifts (12:00–18:30)
- Sunday days shifts (08:30–18:30)
- Shared bank holidays
- No more than three consecutive nights
- Protected time dedicated to leadership responsibilities
Support your priorities: Team members have flexibility built in and we can explore part-time arrangements as needed. With a carefully managed roster, work-life balance is our priority—because a well-rested leader makes a better impact.
Rewards Worth Your Purpose
Not only are you saving lives, but Vets Now rewards the dedication it takes with perks refined for high-performing professionals:
- Salary up to £85,000 Duties & Expenses
- 7 weeks pro-rata annual leave
- £1,875 CPD allowance + 35 paid CPD hours (pro rata)
- Coverage for:
- RCVS fees
- VECCS membership
- VDS insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Family-friendly policies, including:
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Leadership Development Programme
- AdvantEdge clinical training platform access
- standard pension contributions (5% from you, 3% from us)
- up to 50% discounted pet care for your own furry family
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At Vets Now, we make sure that you’re supported so you can support pets and people.
Dedicated Support at Every Level
Here at Vets Now, no shift—no role—is ever an island. When you work in our Gateshead clinic, you join a esprit of providers that includes:
- A Registered Veterinary Nurse
- Animal Care Assistants
- Receptionists, always on hand to streamline operations
And during on-call shifts, you’ll draw on the expertise of our nationwide network of clinics and referral centres through real-time collaboration on complex cases.
Behind-the-scenes support at our Support Office in Dunfermline ensures your efforts remain front-focused. From Call Handlers to Customer Care Advisors, our teams work to relieve logistical burdens so you can Stay Power concentrates on exceptional patient care.
Ready to Steward Clinical Impact?
Your next chapter starts here. Your opportunity isn’t just a role—it’s an invitation to shape emergency veterinaries, foster growth, and extend the lifeline for pets right here in the North East. Honour it.
Contact us to arrange a clinic tour or discussion before applying. Reach out to our Talent Team via:
📧: jessica.allcock@vets-now.com
Inclusion and Accessibility
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and celebrate diversity. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and accessibility in recruitment. If you have a disability or health condition, please let us know; we’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the process.
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