Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

IVC; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank HOs

Cycle to Work scheme

Retail discounts and cashback offers

Job summary

IVC is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to head clinical standards and governance across two sites in Hailsham and Polegate. You will provide clinical leadership, oversee complex cases and guide a senior team of veterinary surgeons to deliver outstanding patient and client care.

The role offers a varied caseload, no out-of-hours commitment, and opportunities to develop leadership and clinical excellence within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must have Veterinary degree and RCVS registration.
• Proven experience mentoring and coaching veterinary colleagues.
• Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards and governance across the practice.
• Support and develop the veterinary team through coaching and mentorship.
• Oversee complex medical and surgical cases.
• Contribute to practice operations and financial performance.
• Drive continuous improvement in clinical quality and outcomes.
• Support team engagement and development.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Mentoring

Decision making

Communication

Governance

Education

Veterinary degree

RCVS registration

Job description

Salary up to £80,000 plus Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

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.

Highcroft Vets is a modern and well-equipped small animal practice with a strong reputation for delivering high standards of patient and client care within the local community. We pride ourselves on providing a calm, welcoming and professional environment for colleagues, clients and patients alike.

You’ll enjoy a varied first opinion caseload with a balanced mix of consulting and surgery, working within an experienced team of three Veterinary Surgeons who are always willing to share knowledge and provide guidance. Whether you are an experienced vet or looking to further develop your skills within a supportive environment, this role offers an excellent platform to grow and thrive clinically.

We operate across two sites, Hailsham and Polegate.

Practice Highlights

Hailsham (Main Practice)

• Spacious consulting rooms
• Radiology suite with digital X-ray and ultrasound
• Dedicated dental suite with dental X-ray
• Full in-house IDEXX laboratory, including Lasercyte
• Surgical theatre with operating microscope, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry and capnography
• Ophthalmology equipment, including Tonopen
• Separate dog and cat wards
• Large secure garden area for inpatients

Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic)

• Located just 4 miles away
• Focused on preventative healthcare and routine care

How You’ll Make a Difference

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care.

You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes and ways of working.

Working Pattern

• Up to 40 hours per week across both our Hailsham and Polegate practices
• Shifts are worked on a rota basis and issued 12 weeks in advance
• Typical shift pattern is 8:00am–7:00pm
• No out-of-hours commitment

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards and governance across the practice
• Support and develop the veterinary team through coaching and mentorship
• Oversee complex medical and surgical cases
• Contribute to practice operations and financial performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and clinical excellence
• Support team engagement, communication and development

You Might Be a Great Fit If…

You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You’ll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS, with significant experience in small animal practice and strong medical and surgical capability
• Proven experience mentoring, coaching and supporting veterinary colleagues
• Strong leadership, communication and decision‑making skills
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives
• The ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
• Professionalism, integrity and a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care

How We’ll Support You

• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC 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 just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

£0 - £80,000 a year

Up to £80,000 DOE