Lead Vet Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Opportunity

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our team at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Derby. With an exciting transformation ahead, the practice will be rebranded this July as Dovedale House, as part of the wider [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] network rebrand. This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role at a pivotal moment and play a key part in shaping the future identity, culture, and clinical direction of the practice.

We are seeking a motivated and driven Veterinary Surgeon who shares our commitment to delivering outstanding veterinary care. The successful candidate will be RCVS registered with a strong foundation in small animal medicine and surgery.

In this role, you will lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team, supporting vets and nurses as they build their skills and confidence. You will take oversight of complex cases, provide second opinions, and ensure the highest standards of patient care, while promoting clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practice.

You will play a key role in maintaining robust clinical governance, ensuring full compliance with RCVS guidance and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] standards. Working closely with our newly appointed Director of practice Laura McKechnie, you will support service development, implement improvements, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice. You will also cultivate a positive and engaged team culture that values collaboration, learning, and development, actively supporting CPD and career progression to help every team member reach their full potential.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time position working either a 38 or 40 hour week, we're happy to offer flexibility with either a four day week working 38 hours per week or five-day week working 40 hours per week, depending on what suits you best. The role also includes a requirement to work one in three Saturday mornings (9:00am–12:00pm), with time off in lieu provided.

Our Team

We are a close-knit team that prides itself on being supportive, positive, and collaborative. Our current team includes the Practice Director, one Veterinary Surgeon, three Registered Veterinary Nurses, one Student Veterinary Nurse, one Veterinary Care Assistant, and four Receptionists.

As we continue to grow, this role offers the opportunity to play an active part in shaping and developing the team as the practice evolves.

Practice Facilities and Location

Derby is a large and spacious practice that has a great waiting room with separate dog and cat waiting spaces, 4 consult rooms, a separate cattery, kennel and isolation ward, dedicated x-ray and ultrasound room, theatre and prep room with an in-house laboratory.

The practice is situated closely to local amenities and less than a 10-minute drive into the City Centre. It is also nearby to the picturesque Peak District National Park. The practice is easily accessible with dedicated car parking. It has excellent transport links, including the M1, and is a half-hour walk from the train station where you can get a direct train to London. We are involved with charitable organisations and work with Street Vet and collecting and donating any unused pet food.

Because Our People Matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon
• BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees
• Company pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] practice