Investors in people

THE RIGHT PEOPLE

While animals are at the centre of what we do, we also care deeply about the people who work for our organisation.

We are a dynamic veterinary diagnostic pathology provider and by supporting and investing in our team of exceptional people,  our mission is to always provide the best possible advice and care for our clients, with the healthcare of animals at the forefront of everything we do.

Innovation, research and development, and advancing medical and scientific practice are all hallmarks of what makes us who we are. At the VPG, we invest in people and training and progression is one of our founding principles, with the majority of the Senior Leadership Team progressing from within the company.

Join us if you would like to be part of a forward thinking, ethically responsible and expert team.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

We recognise that the strength of our team lies in the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that each individual brings to the table. We firmly believe that fostering a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for driving innovation and excellence in our work. Embracing a wide range of talents and perspectives allows us to approach complex challenges with creativity and adaptability, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our patients and clients.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique skills to our shared mission of advancing veterinary diagnostics. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is not just celebrated, but integral to our success in providing the best possible care for animals.

Explore our transparent pay scales and harmonised progression system, seamlessly integrated across the entire organisation.

A list of our current vacancies can be found below:

Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

Leeds, 40 hours per week

Location: On site / Leeds, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Science | Other
Salary: Competitive Salary

40 hours per week Tuesday – Saturday

Salary DOE

Benefits 

  • Life Assurance
  • Discount platform (supermarkets, high street, cinema & travel)
  • 25 days annual leave (28 days after 3 years of service)
  • Enhanced absences (sickness and parental)
  • Learning & Development opportunities
  • Dog friendly offices

Job Summary

  • To prepare and process clinical microbiology samples with a high degree of accuracy for the Lead Scientists and Clinical Pathologists to analyse and interpret before reports are sent to the requesting veterinary practitioners.
  • To meet internal KPIs under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager/Head of Pathology.
  • Ensures maintenance of sufficient stock of consumable items and provides technical support for the testing service within the VPG and to external clients, as well as ensuring the routine maintenance of the testing equipment and identifying any issues which may put the service at risk.
  • To build and maintain credible and productive relationships by working in partnership with other Lead Scientists and the rest of the laboratory team.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work confidently in the microbiology department performing all designated duties in accordance with local working practices whilst maintaining high personal standards and conforming to Health and Safety regulations.
  • Prepare samples for routine investigations, working on own initiative to agreed protocols.
  • To culture clinical samples onto the appropriate media and complete basic identification of bacteria.
  • Participate daily in the scientific and technical activities of the laboratory section, which may include specimen reception functions, under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager.
  • Participate in the receipt, recording, storage and disposal or specimens and identifying and resolving issues effectively.
  • Participate in the input and retrieval of data.
  • Be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment in own area of responsibility.
  • Participate and assist others in the preparation, cleaning, decontamination of equipment and working areas.
  • Prepare reagents for routine laboratory use.
  • Perform general laboratory duties, e.g. checking instruments and recording temperatures.
  • Deal with telephone enquiries to and from the department.
  • Ensure appropriate records and documentation of specimens examined are maintained to ensure accuracy of laboratory reports.
  • Assist with the training of Laboratory Assistants in new techniques and procedures.
  • Plan and prioritise work allocations, responding appropriately to the needs of routine and urgent activities.
  • Assist with the writing and updating of Standard Operating Procedures for testing methods used within the laboratory
  • To work in accordance with standard operating procedures at all times.
  • Manage ordering and maintain stock control in the most efficient way, ensuring the correct supplies are always available.
  • Ensures maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment and that quality assurance procedures are followed.
  • Ensures Quality Assurance Reports for their designated section are maintained, issues highlighted and that reports are available for review by the management team and/or QC department.
  • Requests new equipment as needed, following the appropriate procurement procedures.
  • Assists with the development of new laboratory procedures and techniques.
  • Utilise the laboratory LIMS and other application software according to authorised protocols including computer data entry in all areas of the laboratory.
  • Communicate efficiently, courteously and with clarity at all times, whether face to face, telephone or electronic methods referring enquiries to senior staff where appropriate.
  • Demonstrate on going competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities.
  • To undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate manager

Essential

  • The candidate should possess a relevant Scientific Degree or
  • A minimum of 2 years of related lab experience or a higher level of education may be substituted for experience.
  • Experience in Microbiology
  • Proven to plan, prioritise and manage workload.
  • A strong working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.
  • Ability to train other technical staff in this role and provide some technical support to pathology staff.
  • An ability to work in a systematic manner. Be able to work independently to complete allotted tasks in a time-sensitive manner with a high attention to detail.
  • High degree of dexterity required and able to concentrate for extended periods of time.
  • Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Work, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to adapt to change.
  • Ability to communicate with a wide range of levels of staff within the laboratory.
  • Ability to communicate technical information accurately verbally, written and electronically.

Desirable

  • Understanding of administrative systems and computer applications in use within Pathology, particularly LIMS/DTE.
  • Fellowship of the institute of Biomedical Scientists
  • A good understanding of animal diseases relevant to the testing service.
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Regional Head of Laboratories (South West)

Exeter, Full-time hours per week

Location: On site / Exeter, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Science | Other
Annual Salary Range: from £ 60,000.00 to £ 65,000.00

Benefits

  • Life Assurance
  • Discount platform (supermarkets, high street, cinema & travel)
  • 25 days annual leave (28 days after 3 years of service)
  • Enhanced absences (sickness and parental)
  • Learning & Development opportunities
  • Dog friendly offices

Responsibilities

  • Contribute constructively, decisively, and consistently to the senior leadership team and play a central role in formulating strategy
  • To ensure that your laboratories achieve the financial targets set within the context of the performance of the whole group and in line with the VPG strategy as directed by the Executive team. To work closely with all VPG leadership to monitor finance, quality and safety.
  • To grow your laboratories within the context of the growth of the group as a whole and in line with the VPG strategy in conjunction with the other Laboratory Directors, the Business Development Manager and the Operations Director
  • To understand the current and potential client base with active and ongoing engagement and discussion
  • To be effective and timely in the delivery of your integrative and groupwide projects taking a lead role in the complex co-ordination and project management
  • To perceive specific opportunities for long term change and improvement within own function or operation, or for the group.
  • Translate larger corporate objectives or strategy into relevant action plan and functional strategy.
  • Utilise own experience to provide different solutions, integrating a variety of information.
  • Manage change enthusiastically but sensitively, recognising the necessity of a moving environment.
  • Make and implements decisions and be able to justify these based on available information regarding effects and risks.
  • Face into challenging situations and conversations in an open and honest fashion with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
  • Review customer and client satisfaction measures and identify opportunities to improve. Appropriately challenge existing ways of working, empowering employees to meet client needs. All decisions made will consider the impact on the client.
  • Respond to and resolve complaints and queries quickly and to the client’s satisfaction, aligning to the VPG quality policies.
  • To manage resources efficiently and to promote and maintain good morale in your teams during. To encourage staff to participate in wider VPG activities / projects and promote a wider VPG team environment. To provide the working environment / structure to support your teams in the wider roles within the group and participation in projects.
  • Responsible for the recruitment, training and further education of your teams and to identify colleagues with special talents and qualifications who could contribute in groupwide positions as part of the VPG wide succession plan as well as adequate resourcing of all areas of the laboratories at all times.
  • To ensure compliance with all VPG policies (health and safety, quality management, and HR).
  • Work with Operations Director to implement best practices throughout the laboratories to resolve operational issues.
  • Work with the Operations Director to improve business co-ordination across the group.
  • Create long and stable relationships with a network of people across the business.
  • Provide timely and accurate information to the support functions of the business eg. order processing, payroll and HR.
  • Provide timely and accurate information to support the budgeting process.
  • Ultimate responsibility for the quality of the output of the laboratories including close monitoring of QA and QC reporting.
  • Proactively manage poor performance of staff, grievance, disciplinary and attendance issues in a sensitive and professional manner and in line with the relevant VPG policy.
  • To ensure that the laboratory meets its published reporting timeframes
  • To perform annual appraisals for staff
  • Ensure that all new members of staff receive the appropriate health and safety training, induction and other mandatory training in a reasonable timeframe.
  • Contribute to campaigns, CPD and other marketing initiatives
  • Establish, develop and maintain positive business and customer relationships
  • Continuously improve through feedback
  • Attend exhibitions and other industry trade events as and when required.
  • On site attendance at VPG laboratories, including those under other Laboratory Directors as and when required.
  • To undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate manager.

The duties and responsibilities in this job description are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and will be updated on a regular basis as part of the appraisal review process and may be amended in the light of changing circumstances.

Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities

Essential

  • Masters Degree or equivalent qualification or experience (preferably in a Life Science)
  • Experience in veterinary Biochemistry and Haematology analysis
  • Significant experience managing or supervising a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
  • Excellent IT skills, familiar with Microsoft office and LIMS systems.
  • Experience in leading, developing and delivering a change programme whilst improving employee engagement
  • Experience in client-facing meetings and presentations with excellent negotiation and influencing skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and employees at all levels
  • Excellent prioritising, time management and organisational skills
  • Clean driving licence

Desirable

  • Extensive knowledge of the Veterinary community and client base
  • Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in business development and management
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Laboratory Technician (12 months FTC)

Ringwood, 40 hours per week

Location: On site / Ringwood, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Science | Other
Annual Salary Range: from £ 26,510.00 to £ 30,000.00

Benefits:

  • Randstad Benefits – discounts and savings on high street stores, supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas and more
  • Holiday Pay
  • Pension

Job Summary

  • Responsible for the day to day functioning of their designated section within the VPG Laboratory Service. Participates in the routine testing of the submitted samples, as well as ensuring the routine maintenance of the testing equipment and identifying any issues which may put the service at risk.
  • To perform a number of Biomedical activities including efficient processing of diagnostic specimens for analysis to meet internal KPIs under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager/Head of Pathology.
  • Ensures maintenance of sufficient stock of consumable items and provides technical support for the testing service within the VPG and to external clients.
  • To build and maintain credible and productive relationships by working in partnership with other Lead Scientists and the rest of the laboratory team.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform routine and specialist biomedical investigations and participate daily in the scientific and technical activities of the laboratory section, which may include specimen reception functions, under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager.
  • Participate in the receipt, recording, storage and disposal or specimens and identifying and resolving issues effectively.
  • Participate in the input and retrieval of data.
  • Be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment in own area of responsibility.
  • Participate and assist others in the preparation, cleaning, decontamination of equipment and working areas.
  • Prepare reagents for routine laboratory use.
  • Perform general laboratory duties, e.g. checking instruments and recording temperatures.
  • Deal with telephone enquiries to and from the department.
  • Ensure appropriate records and documentation of specimens examined are maintained to ensure accuracy of laboratory reports.
  • Assist with the training of Laboratory Assistants in new techniques and procedures.
  • Plan and prioritise work allocations, responding appropriately to the needs of routine and urgent activities.
  • Assist with the writing and updating of Standard Operating Procedures for testing methods used within the laboratory
  • To work in accordance with standard operating procedures at all times.
  • Manage ordering and maintain stock control in the most efficient way, ensuring the correct supplies are always available.
  • Ensures maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment and that quality assurance procedures are followed.
  • Ensures Quality Assurance Reports for their designated section are maintained, issues highlighted and that reports are available for review by the management team and/or QC department.
  • Requests new equipment as needed, following the appropriate procurement procedures.
  • Assists with the development of new laboratory procedures and techniques.
  • Utilise the laboratory LIMS and other application software according to authorised protocols including computer data entry in all areas of the laboratory.
  • Communicate efficiently, courteously and with clarity at all times, whether face to face, telephone or electronic methods referring enquiries to senior staff where appropriate.
  • Demonstrate on going competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities.
  • To undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate manager

 

General Office Duties

  • Assist with general administrative duties within the team.
  • Always comply with SOPs; inform your manager and quality department immediately should there be an error in an SOP or if it needs updating.
  • Sustain and promote the aims, ethics and aspirations of the company and participate enthusiastically in the growth and prosperity of the company.
  • Maintain confidentiality of the department and use discretion where necessary.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

 

Essential

  • The candidate should possess a relevant Scientific Degree or
  • A minimum of 2 years of related lab experience or a higher level of education may be substituted for experience.
  • Proven to plan, prioritise and manage workload.
  • A strong working knowledge of principles underlying testing procedures.
  • Ability to train other technical staff in this role and provide some technical support to pathology staff.
  • An ability to work in a systematic manner. Be able to work independently to complete allotted tasks in a time-sensitive manner with a high attention to detail.
  • High degree of dexterity required and able to concentrate for extended periods of time.
  • Good knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Work, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to adapt to change.
  • Ability to communicate with a wide range of levels of staff within the laboratory.
  • Ability to communicate technical information accurately verbally, written and electronically.

Desirable

  • Understanding of administrative systems and computer applications in use within Pathology, particularly LIMS/DTE.
  • Fellowship of the institute of Biomedical Scientists
  • A good understanding of animal diseases relevant to the testing service.
APPLY NOW

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