[Puro Search
Published
May 7, 2026
Location
Oldham, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Category
Job Type
Perm  
Salary
£60,000 — £75,000

Description

Head Veterinary Surgeon

Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 per year
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Oldham

Head Veterinary Surgeon – New Independent Veterinary Practice Opening in Oldham

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Veterinary Surgeon to join a brand-new independent small animal veterinary practice opening in Oldham.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon or aspiring clinical leader to help build and shape a new veterinary practice from day one. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing the clinical team, establishing high standards of patient care, and creating a positive and collaborative working culture.

The practice is seeking a passionate and motivated Vet who thrives in a leadership role and is excited by the opportunity to influence the future direction of an independent veterinary practice.

About the Practice

This new purpose-built veterinary practice in Oldham is being designed to provide high-quality, affordable veterinary care with strong community values at its core.

The practice aims to create an environment where:

  • Patients receive exceptional and personalised veterinary care
  • Clients feel valued, listened to, and supported
  • Veterinary professionals enjoy a positive, respectful, and rewarding workplace

As an independent practice, there is a strong focus on clinical freedom, collaboration, and delivering the very best outcomes for patients without unnecessary corporate restrictions.

The Role – Head Veterinary Surgeon

The Head Vet will play a key leadership role in the setup, development, and ongoing success of the practice.

This is a hands-on clinical leadership position with the opportunity to influence clinical protocols, team culture, workflows, and the overall patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading, recruiting, and developing the veterinary clinical team
  • Delivering exceptional clinical care and maintaining high clinical standards
  • Creating and implementing clinical protocols and workflows
  • Mentoring Veterinary Surgeons, student vets, and support staff
  • Supporting team development and continuous learning
  • Overseeing rotas and helping develop sustainable working patterns
  • Managing stock control, equipment, and day-to-day clinical organisation
  • Working closely with practice leadership on operational development
  • Contributing to the setup and future growth of the practice

Candidate Requirements

The practice is looking for a qualified Veterinary Surgeon who is excited by the opportunity to help build a veterinary practice from the ground up.

The ideal candidate will be:

  • An experienced and qualified Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS
  • A confident leader or an experienced Vet ready to step into a leadership role
  • Passionate about patient care and clinical excellence
  • Organised, proactive, and solution-focused
  • A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
  • Interested in mentoring and developing veterinary colleagues
  • Motivated by the opportunity to shape team culture and clinical standards

Previous leadership experience is welcomed but not essential. The practice values mindset, ambition, and leadership potential just as highly as experience.

Working Hours and Rota

This is a full-time permanent role with flexibility built into the rota from the outset.

As a new practice, the Head Veterinary Surgeon will have genuine input into creating rotas and working patterns that support both the clinical team and the long-term success of the practice.

The practice is committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, with weekend requirements shared fairly and time off in lieu provided.

Facilities

The practice will be fully equipped with modern veterinary facilities, including:

  • Digital X-ray
  • Dental X-ray
  • Dedicated dental suite
  • In-house laboratory
  • Modern surgical theatre
  • Purpose-built consulting and clinical spaces

The successful candidate will have input into equipment selection, workflow planning, and future service development.

Why Join This Practice?

This opportunity offers far more than a standard Head Vet role.

The successful candidate will have the chance to genuinely influence and shape a new independent veterinary practice from its earliest stages. From team culture to clinical standards, their ideas and leadership will help define the future of the practice.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary of £60,000 – £75,000 depending on experience
  • Full-time permanent position
  • Generous holiday allowance
  • Funded CPD and professional development
  • RCVS fees paid
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Clinical freedom within an independent practice
  • Supportive and collaborative working environment
  • Opportunity for long-term progression and growth with the practice

Apply for This Head Veterinary Surgeon Role in Oldham

This is an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Surgeon looking to take the next step into leadership or for an existing Head Vet seeking a fresh opportunity within an independent veterinary practice.

Applications and informal enquiries are welcomed. Candidates interested in discussing the role, vision, and future plans for the practice are encouraged to get in touch.

Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Oldham

 For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Lily on 01904 570056 or email l.thorpe@purovets.com

You can also WhatsApp us at WhatsApp - Purovets and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our great opportunities.  

To view all our vacancies, please visit https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/ 

And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250* for every successful candidate referral. *Terms and conditions apply.

Ref no: JOB-58181

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