Lead Vet - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; Alton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary organization in Alton is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to mentor the clinical team, oversee complex cases, and drive clinical excellence. The role requires significant experience with a focus on patient care and team development. With competitive salary and relocation package, this position offers a supportive working environment without the pressures of a director-level role.

Benefits

7.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays

Private medical insurance

£1,250 CPD allowance + 40 hours paid CPD

Enhanced family-friendly leave and pay

Confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in small or mixed animal practice.
• Proven mentoring experience.
• Confident in surgery, diagnostics, and complex medical cases.
• Knowledgeable in clinical governance, audits, and RCVS standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team.
• Oversee complex cases and ensure high patient care standards.
• Drive clinical excellence through audits and best practices.
• Champion clinical governance according to RCVS and IVC standards.
• Collaborate with management for service development.

Skills

Mentoring

Surgery

Diagnostics

Clinical governance

Communication

Education

MRCVS qualification

Job description

Up to £80,000 DOE, plus Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

Are you an experienced veterinary surgeon looking to step into a clinical leadership role where you can mentor a team, influence standards, and make a real difference for patients and clients? At Amery Veterinary Group, we're looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to support our vets and nurses, lead on complex cases, and help shape a positive, collaborative culture.

This role gives you the opportunity to take ownership of your clinical work, support your colleagues, and contribute to the ongoing development of our practice-without carrying the full responsibility of a director-level position.

Key Responsibilities

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire our clinical team, helping vets and nurses grow their skills and confidence.
• Oversee complex cases, providing second opinions and ensuring the highest standards of patient care.
• Drive clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practices.
• Champion clinical governance, ensuring all care meets RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards.
• Collaborate with management to shape service development, implement improvements, and support practice growth.
• Foster a positive team culture, empowering colleagues and encouraging learning, development, and curiosity.
• Support CPD and career progression, enabling your team to reach their full potential.

We're looking for a confident and forward-thinking leader with:

• MRCVS-qualified with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice.
• A natural clinical leader, with proven mentoring experience.
• Confident in surgery, diagnostics, and complex medical cases.
• Knowledgeable in clinical governance, audits, and RCVS standards.
• Passionate about exceptional patient care and client experience.
• Collaborative, resilient, organized, and an excellent communicator.

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.

Find a place to excel

At Amery Veterinary Group, we combine the stability of a long-established practice with a culture of innovation, learning, and support. This role gives you the freedom to make it your own, lead the clinical direction, and build the team you want to work with.

• Three sites for variety and continuity: Our vets primarily work from one of our two larger sites, with time also spent at a smaller branch. This setup gives you the perfect balance‑time to work up cases, build lasting client relationships, and enjoy a varied and interesting caseload.
• Well‑equipped facilities: Separate cat & dog wards, digital radiography, ultrasound (including cardiac probes), dedicated theatres, and Idexx VetLab stations for rapid diagnostics.
• Flexible working: Options for 4‑day weeks plus occasional Saturday mornings, or 5 shorter days‑designed to suit your lifestyle.
• No out‑of‑hours or on‑call.

Life in Alton & Surrounds

Nestled near the South Downs National Park, less than an hour from the coast and London, Amery offers a lifestyle that balances work and play. Explore charming villages, enjoy outdoor adventures, and have easy access to London, Gatwick, or Heathrow.

We're proud of our positive, collaborative culture where you'll feel supported, encouraged, and challenged to grow.

You Matter to Us - Your Benefits at a Glance

Work‑life Balance & Wellbeing

• 7.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays - plus your birthday off
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave and pay
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Development

• £1,250 CPD allowance + 40 hours paid CPD
• Certificate and advanced learning support & Access to Vetlexicon online resources
• World leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet

Professional Memberships

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

Colleague Benefits

• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets

Apply today or get in touch for an informal, confidential chat.