Client Care - Receptionist

Hawthorne Lodge Veterinary Practice, Banbury, Banbury, South East

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

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
• 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

Hawthorne Lodge Veterinary Practice, Banbury

1 West Bar Street, Banbury, Banbury, OX16 9SD, United Kingdom