Lead Vet - Small Animal

Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary care provider in Hailsham is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to lead the clinical team. The role involves overseeing clinical governance and maintaining high care standards. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, MRCVS qualifications, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The position includes a competitive salary, with additional benefits such as relocation support and ongoing professional development. Join a collaborative team in a positive work environment focused on high-quality pet care.

Benefits

Welcome bonus up to £5,000

Private medical insurance

6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays

CPD allowance of £1,250

Qualifications

• MRCVS-qualified with strong clinical experience.
• Proven leadership skills or ambition to lead a team.
• Confident in managing clinical standards and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all clinical aspects of the practice.
• Ensure high standards of care aligned with industry regulations.
• Drive operational excellence and patient care.

Skills

Strong clinical experience

Proven leadership skills

Excellent communication

Understanding of practice operations

Team development abilities

Education

MRCVS qualification

Job description

Salary up to £80,000 DOE
Welcome Bonus up to £5,000
Relocation Allowance up to £8,000
1 month’s accommodation included

Lead the Future of Veterinary Care

Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready to step into a leadership role where your clinical insight and strategic vision will make a real impact?

Join us at Highcroft as our Lead Vet and help shape the future of our thriving practice.

You’ll need to be an excellent surgeon and oversee all clinical aspects of the practice, ensuring high standards of care aligned with RCVS guidance, industry regulations and IVC Evidensia best practices.

Key responsibilities include clinical governance, protocol implementation, audits, quality improvement, and mentoring the team.

This is a leadership role that requires advanced clinical expertise, strong decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement - driving both operational excellence and outstanding patient care and you’ll hold personal and team-wide accountability, in line with the Veterinary Surgeon role profile and RCVS standards.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, we would love to hear from you!

Who we are

You’ll be joining an established small animal practice based in Hailsham, East Sussex, just 7 miles from the coastline and within easy reach of Eastbourne, Brighton, London, and Gatwick Airport.

Surrounded by the rolling Sussex countryside, we offer the perfect blend of rural charm and urban convenience - ideal for lovers of the outdoors who still enjoy access to city life.

Our supportive, experienced team includes experienced vets, talented nurses, and a dedicated client care team, all backed by an approachable and proactive leader.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a collaborative, positive work environment where everyone is encouraged to support one another and develop to be the best that you can be.

We are known for our friendly, professional service and commitment to high‑quality care for our clients and their beloved pets. A team that supports one another on a daily basis.

Our Facilities

We operate across two sites, Hailsham & Polegate:

• Hailsham (Main Practice)
  • Spacious consult rooms
  • Radiology suite with digital X‑ray and ultrasound
  • Dedicated dental suite with dental x‑ray
  • Full in‑house IDEXX lab (including Lasercyte)
  • Surgical theatre with operating microscope, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry & capnography
  • Ophthalmology equipment, including tonopen
  • Separate dog and cat wards
  • Large, secure garden area for inpatients
• Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic)
  • Just 4 miles away, focused on preventative health and routine care

Be part of something bigger with IVC Evidensia

Joining an IVC Evidensia practice means being part of something bigger. You get the best of both worlds: the independence of a local practice and the backing of a global veterinary group. From our clinical boards to knowledgeable colleagues working alongside you, support is always close by. Being part of our community means access to modern equipment and shared expertise. It’s care you can trust, with a network you can rely on.

What We Offer

• Full‑time or part‑time position available
• Working hours: 8:00 am–7:00 pm (Mon‑Fri), 8:30 am–12:30 pm (Saturdays)
• Saturday mornings on a shared rota, normally 1:4, dependent on the needs of the practice
• No Sundays, night shifts, or bank holiday working

What you’ll bring?

• MRCVS‑qualified with strong clinical experience
• Proven leadership skills or ambition to lead a team
• Confident in managing clinical standards and protocols
• Understanding of practice operations and finances
• Excellent communication and team development abilitiesCommitted to continuous improvement and clinical excellence
• Transport to travel between practices

You Matter to Us – Your Benefits at a Glance

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 & Wellbeing
• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays – plus your birthday off
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave and pay
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Welcome Package

• Welcome bonus up to £2,000 DOE
• Relocation bonus up to £3,000 DOE
• Accommodation for 1 month included

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

Salary up to £80,000 DOE