Lead Equine Veterinary Surgeon – 21/09/26

Irish Equine Veterinary Association; Ormskirk; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

Welcome bonus

Private medical insurance

BEVA membership

Job summary

Inspiring Vet Care in the UK seeks an experienced Lead Equine Veterinary Surgeon to lead a thriving equine service. You will guide clinical standards, governance and mentor a talented team across leisure, sport and performance horses.

The role offers leadership responsibilities within a supportive practice and a varied caseload, with on-call and weekend work as part of a fair rota. Excellent facilities and development opportunities are provided to advance clinical excellence.

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree and full RCVS registration with substantial equine experience.
• Proven leadership, mentoring and team-management skills.
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards, governance and delivery of outstanding patient and client care.
• Provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team and oversee complex cases.
• Support strategic direction and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality and outcomes.
• Share on-call and weekend rota responsibilities, 1 in 4 weekends.
• Collaborate with the practice leadership team to develop equine services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Mentoring

Education

Veterinary degree & RCVS registration

Tools

X-ray

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

Gastroscopy

Shock wave therapy

Dental care

Job description

Salary up to £80,000 DOE

Up to £5,000 Relocation Allowance

Up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus

At Inspiring Vet Care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join our progressive, client-focused practice. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a confident clinician looking to shape and develop a thriving equine service while working within a supportive and collaborative team. If you're already a Senior, we would also welcome Lead Vets.

You will play a central role in delivering high standards of veterinary care, building strong client relationships, and leading a talented team of equine professionals. The caseload is varied and rewarding, spanning leisure, sport, and performance horses. Our purpose-built equine clinic includes examination rooms, stables, a knockdown box, and paddocks. We are well-equipped with x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, gastroscopy, shock wave therapy, and dentistry services. Our in-house lab at the small animal clinic enables us to get quick results for urgent cases.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be 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 role is Monday to Friday between the hours 8am and 5pm, contributing to the on call rota. 1 in 4 weekends on call with days off in lieu for this.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional clinical care across a varied equine caseload
• Provide clinical leadership and mentorship to the equine team
• Drive the development and expansion of equine services
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients
• Contribute to clinical governance, protocols, and continuous improvement
• Work collaboratively with the wider practice leadership team
• Participate in a shared out-of-hours and weekend rota

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 equine veterinary experience, confident in both routine and emergency equine work
• 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 inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join you’ll benefit the following:

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC 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
• BEVA 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

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

£50,000 - £80,000 a year

Up to £80,000 pa DOE