Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 6 May 2026
LOCATION
Irvine
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£70,000 / year
CATEGORY
Healthcare
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Small Animal Medicine Surgery Clinical Leadership Mentoring Communication Team Collaboration RCVS Registration Clinical Decision Making

FULL DESCRIPTION

Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] - [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], Irvine, Scotland

Discipline: Small Animal | Full Time, Part Time, Flexible | Up to £70,000 DOE

About the Opportunity

At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], we are looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to step into a Clinical Lead role within our friendly and well-established practice along the beautiful west coast of Ayrshire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the variety of first opinion practice while also taking an active role in clinical leadership, supporting colleagues and helping to drive high standards of patient care across the team.

As Clinical Lead, you will work closely with the Director of Practice and Clinical Services, Practice Manager, and Head Nurse, playing a key role in supporting clinical decision-making, promoting best practice, and contributing to the ongoing development of the team. You will also have the opportunity to deputise for the Director of Practice and Clinical Services when required.

This role would suit a confident clinician who enjoys mentoring others, leading by example, and remaining actively involved in a varied small animal caseload, with scope to further develop leadership or management skills over time.

Practice Highlights

  • Established four-branch small animal practice (Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, West Kilbride)
  • Experienced clinical team of 11 Veterinary Surgeons
  • Supported by 7 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 1 Student Nurse, ACAs, and dedicated reception/support team
  • Strong collaborative culture with shared learning and case discussion embedded in daily practice
  • Modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including digital radiography, ultrasound, dental suite, and in-house laboratory
  • Varied first-opinion caseload with opportunities for clinical development and leadership influence
  • Supportive environment with multiple clinicians holding specific clinical interests

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] 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 [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], 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

  • Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care within a first opinion caseload
  • Support and mentor colleagues, promoting clinical excellence and best practice
  • Contribute to clinical leadership and decision-making across the practice
  • Work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to support service development
  • Help implement and promote quality improvement initiatives within the practice
  • Participate in a 1 in 4 weekend rota (4-hour shift)
  • No out-of-hours commitment (externally covered)

Working Pattern: Full-time: 39 hours per week. Typically 4 days per week (8:30am–7:00pm, Monday–Friday). 1 in 4 weekends (short shift cover only). Flexible working discussions welcomed.

Life on the Ayrshire Coast

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is located along the stunning Ayrshire coastline, offering an excellent balance between professional life and lifestyle. With beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and countryside on your doorstep, it’s an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor living. Glasgow is also within easy commuting distance, offering access to city life when desired.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

  • A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
  • Experience in small animal first opinion practice
  • Confidence in clinical decision-making and routine surgery/medicine
  • Strong communication and leadership potential
  • A collaborative, supportive, and proactive approach to team working

How We’ll Support You

At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

  • Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
  • Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
  • £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
  • Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
  • Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
  • A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

  • 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
  • Private medical insurance
  • Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
  • BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
  • Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
  • Retail discounts and cashback offers
  • Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

Apply Now

Submit your application via the Lever link:

Any questions? Contact Taylor Findlay at [contact hidden]

At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging. As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

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