Senior/Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 6 May 2026
LOCATION
Gateshead
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£80,000 / 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 registrable) RCVS registration Small animal first opinion practice Clinical decision-making Mentoring and team support Surgical skills (including orthopaedics, laparoscopy) Diagnostic imaging (Doppler ultrasound, endoscopy, dental x-ray) Communication and leadership

FULL DESCRIPTION

Senior/Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] in Gateshead is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to take the next step into a Senior or Lead role within a progressive multi-site practice. The role offers a salary up to £80,000 DOE, welcome bonus up to £5,000, and relocation allowance up to £5,000.

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. At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], careers are built without limits, with support for clinical impact, career opportunities, and professional communities.

How You’ll Make a Difference

  • Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics
  • Support, mentor, and guide less experienced veterinary surgeons
  • Contribute to clinical leadership and maintain high clinical standards
  • Work closely with leadership team to support clinical direction
  • Participate in a 1 in 3 Saturday rota
  • Work across multiple branches: Gateshead, Sunderland, Ryton, and Whickham

Working Pattern

Full-time: approx. 40 hours per week. Typically 38 hours across four weekdays with a set day off. 1 in 3 Saturday rota. Flexible working welcomed.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

  • Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility)
  • Strong experience in small animal first opinion practice
  • Confidence in clinical decision-making across medicine and surgery
  • Experience or interest in mentoring
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • Collaborative and proactive approach

How We’ll Support You

  • Clear career pathways with progression opportunities
  • Funded learning and development including CPD allowance
  • £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
  • Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, peer networks
  • Support to develop clinical interests

What We Offer Our Team

  • 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
  • Private medical insurance
  • Enhanced family leave
  • BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
  • Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes
  • Retail discounts
  • Reduced-cost veterinary care for own pets

Contact

Speak to Taylor Findlay from our recruitment team: [contact hidden]

Apply

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