Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Lever, Inc.; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome bonus

Relocation allowance

Private medical insurance

4‑day week

Job summary

Orby Vets in Lincolnshire is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to guide clinical direction and lead a capable team. The role combines hands-on veterinary work with leadership to maintain high patient care standards and support practice growth.

Working alongside the Director of Practice, you will oversee clinical governance, mentor colleagues, and ensure excellent client care across a varied first opinion caseload. The position offers a 4-day week, 40 hours, and strong development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Qualified veterinary surgeon registered with the RCVS.
• Strong medical and surgical capabilities in a first opinion practice.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and client service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards and governance within the practice.
• Deliver high-quality medical and surgical care across a varied caseload.
• Mentor and support veterinary and nursing colleagues; support practice performance.
• Balance clinical duties with leadership responsibilities and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Medical/Surgical skills

Client communication

Mentoring

Practice management

Education

Veterinary degree & RCVS registration

Job description

Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Orby Vets | Lincolnshire

Salary up to £75,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £3,000

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK's number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Orby Vets is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to help develop and nurture our team while shaping the future clinical direction of the practice. Working alongside the Director of Practice and Practice Manager, you will play a key role in clinical decision-making, supporting practice performance and embedding our Care Frameworks to ensure consistently high standards of patient care.

Your role will combine consultations and surgery, allowing you to build strong relationships with our loyal clients while following cases through from diagnosis to treatment. With a varied caseload and the ability to work up cases in‑house, this is an excellent opportunity for a veterinary surgeon who enjoys both clinical leadership and hands‑on patient care.

About Orby Vets

Established almost 40 years ago, Orby Vets has built an excellent reputation for putting patients and clients first. We are proud of our strong community presence and long‑standing client relationships.

Our facilities include a dedicated operating theatre and preparation room, modern ultrasound equipment and digital radiography, with plans to introduce dental radiography in the near future.

We are an RCVS Accredited Practice, Vet GDP Adviser Practice and RVN Training Practice, demonstrating our commitment to clinical excellence and professional development.

Practice Highlights

• RCVS Accredited Practice
• Vet GDP Adviser and RVN Training Practice
• Dedicated operating theatre and prep room
• Modern ultrasound and digital radiography equipment
• Planned investment in dental radiography
• Loyal client base and varied first opinion caseload
• Long‑standing and experienced support team

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the senior clinical leader within the practice, responsible for maintaining clinical standards, supporting colleagues and helping drive the continued success of the practice.

You'll work closely with the Director of Practice and Practice Manager, supporting clinical decision-making, mentoring colleagues and ensuring patients and clients receive the highest standard of care.

General Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards and support clinical governance initiatives
• Deliver high‑quality medical and surgical care across a varied caseload
• Mentor and support veterinary and nursing colleagues
• Contribute to practice performance and operational decision‑making
• Promote and embed inspiring vet care Care Frameworks
• Build strong relationships with clients through continuity of care
• Work collaboratively with the wider leadership team to support practice growth

Working Pattern

• 4‑day week
• 40 hours per week
• 8:30am-6:30pm shifts
• No Saturdays
• No bank holidays
• No out‑of‑hours commitments

Our Team

We are a small but highly experienced and supportive team consisting of one part‑time Veterinary Surgeon, three RVNs, two Student Veterinary Nurses, three Client Care Team members and a Practice Manager.

Many of our colleagues have been with the practice for over a decade, creating a stable, knowledgeable and welcoming environment where teamwork is genuinely valued.

Location

The area offers the very best of coastal and rural living, with award‑winning Blue Flag beaches, wildlife-rich nature reserves, charming villages and welcoming market towns nearby.

Horncastle is just 25 minutes away, while the historic city of Lincoln can be reached within 45 minutes. The region also benefits from an excellent education system, making it an attractive location for families considering relocation.

You Might Be a Great Fit If..

We're looking for a confident and motivated Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys leading a team while delivering outstanding patient and client care. You'll bring

• A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS
• Strong medical and surgical capabilities within a first opinion environment
• An interest in leadership, mentoring and team development
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and clinical excellence
• The ability to balance clinical responsibilities with leadership duties

How We'll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we're committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to Academy training centres and role‑relevant courses
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
• A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We're committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources.

Whether you're looking to take your first step into leadership or continue growing your influence as a clinical leader, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

£0 - £75,000 a year

Salary up to £75,000 DOE