We are seeking an organised, personable Receptionist to join our team at Hawthorne Lodge Veterinary Practice on a part-time basis.
Hawthorne Lodge is a thriving first-opinion small animal practice based in Banbury, within easy reach of Oxford and the Cotswolds. We’re equipped with everything needed to provide excellent client and patient care, including laparoscopic spays, endoscopy, orthopaedic surgery, ultrasound, dental suite with dental x-ray, and separate cat/dog waiting areas.
Our practice has 5 consulting rooms, 3 operating theatres, 2 isolation wards, and a team of 5 Vets, 4 RVNs, 2 SVNs, plus a skilled reception team and Practice Director. Our focus on continuity of care means we build strong relationships with clients and each other.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for clients, playing a key role in delivering a welcoming, professional and compassionate experience at every interaction.
You'll support the smooth running of the practice by managing appointments, handling enquiries, supporting client communications and working closely with clinical and non-clinical colleagues to ensure a positive client and patient journey.
This is a part-time role, covering a variety of opening or closing shifts, depending on the practice's needs. You will also be part of a Saturday rota (9 am-2 pm), but there are no out-of-hours requirements, and the practice is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays. We have a very flexible team, and a certain degree of flexibility will be expected from you.
General responsibilities include:
*Taking phone calls, handling queries and booking appointments
*Welcome clients and their pets on arrival and be their first point of contact
*Check-in patients, verify their information, update patient records and ensure attention to detail
*Process payments and maintain accurate financial records
*Take payments, cash up, and complete end-of-day banking when required
*Supporting the management team with a variety of admin tasks
*Using various bespoke IT systems
*Dispensing medication
*Maintain the cleanliness of the reception area and consult rooms
*Administration duties such as emails and signing up clients to our Pet Health Plan
*You will also support with account queries, outstanding debt and petty cash records
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a friendly, organised and customer-focused individual who enjoys working as part of a team. You’ll bring:
* Excellent communication skills and a professional, welcoming manner
* Experience in a customer-facing role, with a strong focus on service and attention to detail
* The ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy environment
* A collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues
* A proactive attitude, with openness to feedback and learning
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your development and wellbeing from the very start of your career. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
* A key client-facing role within a supportive and collaborative practice team
* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities within client care and practice leadership roles
* Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced colleagues and practice teams
* A values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
*6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
*Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
*Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
*Employee wellbeing initiatives including - Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
*Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
*Pension scheme
*Discounted veterinary care
*Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you - including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.