Branch Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Axe Valley Veterinary Practice, Weston; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Weston-super-Mare is seeking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon to lead the clinical operations of their newly refurbished branch. This full-time position offers leadership opportunities, mentoring of colleagues, and a commitment to excellent clinical care. The ideal candidate should be an experienced vet with RCVS registration looking to grow within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Work-life balance

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

Discounted pet treatment

Company pension

Qualifications

• Experienced GP vet with confidence in sole charge.
• Passionate about delivering excellent clinical care.
• Team player who enjoys a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day clinical operations at the Weston branch.
• Mentor and support colleagues in a small team.
• Participate in strategic planning and meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Clinical care

Sole charge experience

Education

RCVS registration

Job description

Overview

Salary up to £67,000 FTE DOE

At Axe Valley Vets, we’re offering an exciting opportunity for a talented vet to take the lead at our newly refurbished Weston Branch (BS23 3EF). If you're ready for increased responsibility, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of a thriving branch while keeping your clinical focus – this is the role for you.

Proud to Be Part of IVC Evidensia

At IVC Evidensia, we’re driven by the passion and commitment of our people – across clinical, operational, and support teams. With over 2,500 clinics and hospitals in 20 countries and around 41,000 employees, we work together to care for around 25,000 animals every day. United by a shared purpose – Healthy Animals, Happy Owners – we’re proud to champion long-term animal health and welfare through the dedication of every individual across our international network.

Part of a larger network

Axe Valley Vets is proud to be part of the IVC Evidensia network. While we operate with autonomy, we benefit from the support of a wider veterinary group. This gives our team access to shared clinical expertise, advanced equipment, and a collaborative network of professionals – all while maintaining the freedom to make the right decisions for our patients locally.

Supportive Team & Newely Refurbished Site

The previous owners are still very much involved, and our focus remains firmly on clinical excellence and team wellbeing. With a diverse team of 10 vets, including new graduates, certificate holders, and experienced GPs we foster a supportive, collaborative environment where learning never stops.

Our Weston branch has recently been refurbished and is fully equipped with everything you need: an operating theatre, lab (biochemistry and haematology), digital X-ray, ultrasound, and dental suite. You’ll have the autonomy to work up your cases with the backup of a brilliant and experienced wider team across our hub.

The Role: Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Branch Lead

As the Weston Branch Lead, you’ll play a key role in the daily clinical operations and ongoing development of the branch while remaining hands-on with your veterinary work.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Day-to-day clinical leadership of the Weston team
• Mentoring and supporting colleagues – being a positive influence in a two vet branch setup
• Playing an active role in branch growth, performance, and team culture
• Attending clinical and management meetings and contributing to strategic planning
• Collaborating closely with the main practice to ensure continuity and standards
• Some sole charge shifts, balanced with support from the wider team

This is a full-time position, ideally 40 hours over four days, with three days at Weston and one at the main Blackford branch. However, we’re open to flexible arrangements for the right candidate.

Out-of-Hours Commitment:

• Participation in our weekend and late vet rota based at our main Blackford site
• Current pattern: 1 in 8 weekends and 1 late shift every other week
• Out-of-hours care is handled externally; our late rota covers only inpatients and urgent same-day cases
• Late Vet Hours: 6:30-7:00pm emergency cover, with a 10pm inpatient check if needed

About You

• Experienced GP vet with confidence in sole charge and mentoring
• Looking to step up into a leadership role with support
• Passionate about delivering excellent clinical care and supporting team development
• RCVS-registered and ready to take the reins at a growing branch practice
• A team player who enjoys a collaborative environment

Join Us

If you’re a veterinary surgeon looking to grow into a leadership role without stepping away from what you love most, we’d love to hear from you! Come join a team that values kindness, clinical freedom, and shared success.

Because our employee’s 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 –

Benefits

• Work-life balance
• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing
• Development: £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – online encyclopaedia
• All Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All Vets get £1000 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover
• Colleague Benefits: Company pension, Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme (eligibility)
• Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of voluntary benefits
• Discounts/cashback with participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice