Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Linnaeus; Rickmansworth; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RCVS & VDS fees paid

CPD allowance

4 CPD days per year

Linnaeus CPD Programme

Staff discount schemes

Life Assurance

Enhanced sickness pay

Cycle to work scheme

Wellness program including EmployeeAss

Job summary

Chess Veterinary Clinic is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. The role offers 40 hours per week with a 1 in 4 Saturdays rota and a chance to influence clinical standards while supporting a skilled team.

You will lead high-quality medical and surgical care with a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development within an established practice.

Qualifications

• 8+ years UK small animal GP experience
• Strong clinical confidence across consults and surgical cases
• Passion for working cases up thoroughly and delivering high patient care standards
• Supportive, approachable leader who mentors and shares knowledge
• Confident contributing to clinical discussions and shaping best practice
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative teamwork
• Desire to develop personally while supporting others
• Interest in developing imaging or endoscopy skills
• Ability to work full-time within a structured rota

Responsibilities

• Shape clinical standards across the practice and support colleagues
• Encourage best practice and high-quality patient care
• Contribute to clinical discussions and drive continued success of the team
• Provide leadership in a two-site environment (Rickmansworth & Chorleywood)

Skills

Small animal GP experience

Leadership

Clinical confidence

Communication

Mentoring

Tools

Imaging interest

Endoscopy interest

Job description

Job Title: Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Location: Rickmansworth & Chorleywood, Hertfordshire
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Practice: Chess Veterinary Clinic
Salary: £65,000-£75,000 DOE per annum

Are you an experienced small animal vet looking for your next step, where you can combine clinical excellence with the opportunity to influence and support a talented team? Chess Veterinary Clinic offers a unique opportunity for a Lead Vet to shape clinical standards, support colleagues, and continue practicing high-quality medicine within a stable, welcoming environment.

With loyal clients, experienced nurses, excellent facilities, and a genuine surgical caseload, this is a role where your clinical opinion will be valued, your experience will make a difference, and you will have the autonomy to help drive the continued success of the practice.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to influence clinical standards and support the continued development of the practice
• Balanced caseload with approximately 40-50% surgery, allowing you to maintain and develop your clinical skills
• Trusted, experienced team with RVNs who have been with the practice for over a decade
• Loyal, largely insured client base who value high-quality, proactive veterinary care
• Structured and predictable rota: 40 hours/week, 1 in 4 Saturdays (1pm-6pm)
• Excellent facilities with opportunities to further develop imaging and advanced clinical skills

The practice & team

Chess Veterinary Clinic has been serving the Hertfordshire community for over 75 years, building trusted relationships with generations of clients. You’ll be primarily based at our Rickmansworth site, a charming, characterful practice set within a converted stable, and will spend 1-2 days per week at our Chorleywood branch, which features a large consult room, spacious waiting area, and recently refurbished facilities.

Both sites are fully equipped to support high-quality medicine, with an in-house laboratory for thyroid, cPLI, cortisol, routine haematology and biochemistry testing, digital radiography including dental imaging, ultrasound for abdominal and cardiac scans, endoscopy equipment, a dedicated theatre, and a separate area for dentals and ultrasonography.

Our experienced team includes a Nursing Manager with 14 years in practice, RVNs with over a decade of experience, a Practice Manager who is also an RVN, and long-standing reception staff. The team is welcoming, collaborative, and supportive, with a strong culture of open case discussion and shared learning.

As Lead Vet, you will play an important role within this established team, using your experience to support colleagues, encourage best practice, and help ensure excellent standards of patient and client care continue across both sites.

The practice is located in an affluent area with excellent access to London, near the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Chorleywood Common, offering a mix of village charm, countryside walks, and cafes for a great work-life balance.

What we’re looking for

• 8+ years UK small animal GP experience (minimum 3 years, 10+ years preferred)
• Strong clinical confidence across consults and surgical cases
• Passion for working cases up thoroughly and delivering high patient care standards
• Supportive, approachable leader enjoys mentoring and sharing knowledge
• Confident contributing to clinical discussions and shaping best practice
• Excellent communication skills, collaborative teamwork
• Desire to continue developing personally while supporting others
• Interest in developing imaging or endoscopy skills
• Ability to work full-time within a structured rota

Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave
• RCVS & VDS fees paid
• CPD allowance and 4 days each year to attend events plus Linnaeus CPD Programme (including certificate holder level CPD)
• Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
• Career progression opportunities
• Staff discount schemes
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme
• Wellness program including:
• Employee assistance program
• Eyecare voucher scheme
• Free annual Flu jab
• Cycle to work scheme