Clinical Lead Vet Surgeon - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Livingston seeks a Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon to provide leadership and oversee clinical governance. You will manage a team of vets and ensure best practices in patient care and service development. The ideal candidate has a degree in Veterinary Medicine and significant leadership experience, along with a commitment to continuous professional development. This opportunity offers a competitive salary and a focus on community impact.

Benefits

Work-life balance

6.8 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1,250 CPD allowance

Company pension scheme

Voluntary benefits

Qualifications

• Significant experience in small animal practice.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop clinical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of veterinary legislation and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical governance and quality improvement.
• Manage complex veterinary cases and provide mentorship.
• Work with the Practice Director on planning and service development.

Skills

Strong surgical skills

Leadership ability

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Commitment to CPD

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Job description

Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Lamond Vets, Livingston

Join our modern, single‑site practice as Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon and take on a rewarding leadership role at Lamond Vets.

• Salary up to £70,000 DOE
• Welcome Bonus up to £2,000
• Relocation Allowance up to £3,000
• 40 hours per week with just 1 Saturday (9am‑4pm) every 4th weekend

At Lamond Vets, you'll lead a talented team of 7 vets supported by a large, experienced nursing team who deliver nurse consults as standard‑leaving you to focus on clinical excellence. Our facilities include:

• 2 operating theatres
• Dedicated imaging and dental suites (with dental x‑ray)
• Advanced surgical capability (orthopaedic, laparoscopic, electrosurgical)

We are proud to work closely with the SSPCA and place a strong emphasis on charity work, giving you the chance to make a real difference in the wider community. Our caseload is varied, covering everything from routine neuterings, pyometra, lump removals, and GI foreign bodies to dentistry. If you have a particular area of interest, we'll actively support you in developing it.

As Lead Vet you will:

• Oversee all clinical governance, auditing, and quality improvement.
• Mentor and develop vets, nurses, and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Act as a clinical role model, ensuring best practice in line with RCVS and IVC Evidensia guidelines.
• Manage complex cases, provide second opinions, and support the team with advanced surgical capability.
• Work with the Practice Director on strategic planning, service development, and performance management.
• Build strong client relationships, delivering excellent communication and patient care.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Veterinary Medicine (MRCVS or equivalent).
• Significant experience in small animal practice with strong surgical and medical skills.
• Proven leadership and mentoring ability within a clinical team.
• In‑depth knowledge of clinical governance, veterinary legislation, and best practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to CPD and professional growth.
• Specific surgical interest or certificate (achieved or in progress) highly advantageous.

This is a true leadership opportunity for an experienced vet ready to combine clinical excellence with team leadership, supported by a strong nursing team, varied caseload, and outstanding facilities – all while making a difference to the wider community.

Apply now and take the lead in shaping the future of veterinary care at Lamond Vets, Livingston.

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:

• Work‑life balance
  • 6.8 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
  • £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
  • Certificate support
  • Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
  • Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
  • All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
  • All our Vets get £1,250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
  • Infection Prevention and Control Programme
  • Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships
  • BVA membership
  • VDS cover
  • RCVS fees
• Colleague Benefits
  • Company pension scheme – IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
  • Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
  • Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
  • Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
  • Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice