Lead Vet - Small Animal

Amery Veterinary Group; Alton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in England is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to support their clinical team and oversee patient care. The role involves mentoring colleagues, driving clinical excellence, and fostering a collaborative culture. Ideal candidates are MRCVS-qualified with experience in small or mixed animal practice. The position offers ample benefits, flexible working, and a chance to make a significant impact on the practice's standards and culture.

Benefits

7.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family-friendly leave

CPD allowance of £1,250

Access to Vetlexicon online resources

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Qualifications

• MRCVS-qualified with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice.
• Proven mentoring experience in a clinical leadership role.
• Confident in surgery, diagnostics, and complex medical cases.
• Knowledge of clinical governance and RCVS standards.
• Passionate about exceptional patient care and client experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team.
• Oversee complex cases and ensure high patient care standards.
• Drive clinical excellence through audits and protocols.
• Champion clinical governance to meet RCVS guidance.
• Collaborate with management for service development.
• Foster a positive team culture and support CPD.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Mentoring experience

Surgery

Diagnostics

Client communication

Clinical governance

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

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

About 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 care for around 25,000 animals every day, championing long‑term animal health and welfare through the dedication of every individual across our international network.

Working at Amery Veterinary Group

• 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 on 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• £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.
• BVA 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.

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