Lead Veterinary Surgeon

We are current looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join the team in the Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Dumbarton areas.

If this sounds like a role you would be interested in, please read on for more information.

• Hours – 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday (with some flexibility depending on the needs of the business)
• Salary – up to £54,833 per annum
• Contract Type – Permanent

About the Scottish SPCA

As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have been on-hand to protect animals and prevent cruelty since 1839 – that’s over 185 years of creating a better world for all animals. We have grown to become a national charity which celebrates the strength of the human-animal bond and enriches the lives of animals and people. We are Scotland’s animal champions.

What does our Lead Veterinary Surgeon do?

Acting as the accountable veterinary surgeon for the clinical service delivered to animals in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Dumbarton. This requires collaboration with external veterinary service delivery partners, and other colleagues in the veterinary leadership team; our Veterinary Clinic Manager, Patient Flow Coordinator and our Head of Clinical Services & Veterinary Strategy, to ensure that efficient, high quality and pragmatic veterinary care is delivered to animals for which the Scottish SPCA is responsible.

Providing clinical expertise that enables effective decision-making surrounding complex cases, and the creation of an appropriate treatment plans, and where required, in conjunction with the Head of Clinical Services make final decisions on animal treatment plans across the whole Scottish SPCA network.

Providing clinical support and mentoring to the Veterinary Surgeon and Registered. 

Veterinary Nurse team, supporting the development of a confident client and customer focussed clinical team, proficient in triage and prioritisation, maximising their role specific skills.

Providing a veterinary service to all animals connected with the Society, primarily animals that are on foster, and supporting external partners to provide service to animals brought into our Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centres (ARRCs) or that have recently been rehomed through the ARRC network.

Overview of main duties and responsibilities

• Provide guidance and clinical expertise to external veterinary partners, managers, staff at ARRCs, and the wider public regarding that care of animals from various species and so acting as a reliable resource for complex animal welfare issues and veterinary care.
• Deliver high-quality outpatient clinical services, ensuring they receive pragmatic, appropriate medical and surgical care. Focusing on providing a positive experience for both animals and their owners/fosterers, addressing concerns and fostering trust with the public.
• Oversee and advise on complex clinical cases, particularly those involving Temporary Refuge animals. Provide expert advice and support for challenging medical conditions, ensuring the best outcomes for these animals.
• Participate in case reviews with regional operational managers, ARRC managers, the behaviour team, and foster teams. Develop strategies to reduce the time animals spend in care, ensuring they are rehomed or fostered as soon as possible without compromising their health and welfare.
• Assist the Patient Flow Coordinator and Head Nurse in coaching, mentoring, and developing the RVN and Student RVN teams. Function as the first point of escalation for clinical concerns arising from triage or initial assessment, providing guidance and support for the nursing team.
• Lead, support, and line manage the internal veterinary surgeon team, ensuring that their performance is aligned with the Society's high standards and expectations. Provide regular feedback, coaching, and performance reviews to foster professional growth.
• Complying with all Health and Safety procedures and upholding a culture of health, safety, and infection control, proactively identifying, and addressing clinical risks and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and biosecurity.

• Act as a positive ambassador for the Scottish SPCA in all professional interactions, supporting public events, media engagements, and fundraising initiatives as required.

   

Please see full Job Description link for more detailed information on the role.

What makes a good Lead Veterinary Surgeon?

• Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
• Experienced surgeon with at least 3 years companion animal veterinary practice experience, incorporating routine medicine, surgery, and diagnostics for a range of different species.
• Confident in applying clinical judgement and delegating in a busy clinical environment, ideally within a veterinary leadership role.
• A client and customer centric approach to the delivery of contextualised care, with an ability to build trusted relationships both internally and externally.
• Experience in managing performance and driving business outcomes, with a solution focused approach to remove blockers and work collaboratively across our teams.
• Passion for animal welfare and an advocate of our charitable purpose.
• Embraces a culture of open 360 feedback.
• Full, driving licence.
• Willingness to work within group shift pattern.

Please note this role is subject to a Disclosure Scotland PVG check.

We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended. This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.

Scottish Charity No SC 006467