Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 6 May 2026
LOCATION
Honiton
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£75,000 / year
CATEGORY
Healthcare
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Veterinary degree RCVS registration Small animal surgery Clinical leadership Mentoring Communication skills Decision-making Clinical governance

FULL DESCRIPTION

Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £75,000 DOE

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group. This role is at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] in Honiton, Devon.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working.

  • The typical full-time week is 40 hours worked across four or five days, with a 1 in 4 Saturday morning rota from 9am to 1pm.
  • There are no out-of-hours or on-call requirements, allowing you to enjoy a genuine work-life balance.
  • Part-time applications are also welcome, with a minimum of 30 hours per week.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You’ll bring:

  • A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, with advanced surgical and medical capability
  • Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues
  • Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
  • Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives
  • The ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
  • Professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care

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 [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] 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

  • 6.6 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

At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging. Speak to Amelia Bateman from our recruitment team at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].

Sign up free — access 45,000+ UK sponsor-licensed jobs