Lead Veterinary Surgeon

WhatsApp Inc.; Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent salary £70,000 - £95,000 DOE

4-day working week

Flexible rota patterns

CPD allowance and certificate support

RCVS fees paid

Pension scheme

Job summary

WhatsApp Inc. is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join a modern, rapidly growing independent small animal practice in Southampton. The role offers genuine clinical freedom, leadership opportunities, and long-term progression within an independent environment.

You will join a skilled team in a facility equipped with advanced diagnostics and a dedicated surgical suites, benefiting from strong mentorship and the chance to help shape the future of the practice.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and ability to mentor colleagues.
• Strong clinical standards with a focus on animal welfare and patient care.
• Excellent communication within a veterinary team and with clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead a growing small animal team and shape clinical services.
• Mentor and develop junior veterinarians and nurses.
• Collaborate with the practice owner to drive quality care and growth.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical excellence

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Job description

Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join a modern, rapidly growing independent small animal practice in Southampton. Opened just one year ago, the practice has already established a strong local reputation, registering approximately 50 new clients every two weeks and continuing to expand. This role offers the opportunity to work closely alongside the practice owner to help shape and drive the future of the practice, making it ideal for an ambitious Veterinary Surgeon seeking genuine clinical freedom, leadership opportunities, and long-term career progression within an independent environment.

The Role

The successful candidate will join a supportive and highly skilled veterinary team within a well-equipped, forward-thinking practice committed to delivering exceptional patient care. The practice is looking to grow into a 4-5 Veterinary Surgeon team and is seeking a confident clinician who enjoys collaboration, high clinical standards, and helping mentor and develop others.

Flexible Working Patterns

• Full-time or part-time hours
• 4-day working week
• Longer working days or later start times considered
• Opening hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm

State-of-the-Art Facilities & Equipment

This independent practice has invested heavily in advanced veterinary technology and facilities, including:

• Dedicated in-house laboratory with advanced diagnostic machines used in reference laboratories
• High-definition trinocular microscope
• Digital radiography suite providing high-quality diagnostic imaging
• SonoScape ProPet 70 ultrasound machine with five probes supporting:
  • Abdominal imaging
  • Cardiac imaging
  • Musculoskeletal imaging
  • Ocular assessments
• Visiting cardiologist and orthopaedic surgeon regularly attending the practice
• New endoscope arriving soon
• Dental X-ray equipment being added
• State-of-the-art operating theatre designed to the highest patient safety standards
• Dedicated dental theatre with:
  • Dental unit
  • Scaler
  • High-quality dental instrumentation
• Soundproof feline kennels to enhance patient comfort and reduce stress

The Team

• A certificate holder in Small Animal Surgery
• A Veterinary Surgeon currently completing a postgraduate certificate in Small Animal Surgery
• A Head Nurse holding:
  • Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Emergency & Critical Care)
  • Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (Emergency & Critical Care)
  • An RVN qualified in Vets Now Emergency & Critical Care

Benefits

• Excellent salary from £70,000 - £95,000 DOE
• Additional out-of-hours payments
• 4-day working week
• Flexible rota patterns
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Generous CPD allowance
• Full support for certificates and clinical interests
• RCVS fees paid
• Professional memberships paid
• Pension scheme
• Genuine clinical freedom
• Opportunity to help shape and grow an independent veterinary practice
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

About Southampton

Located on the South Coast, Southampton offers an excellent quality of life and strong work-life balance. The city combines vibrant urban living with easy access to the New Forest, stunning coastline, and beautiful countryside. With excellent transport links to London, a thriving social scene, extensive green spaces, and rich maritime history, Southampton is one of the UK's most desirable locations for veterinary professionals seeking both career progression and lifestyle benefits.