Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

inspiring vet care; Reading; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

6.6 weeks holiday including bank &

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

The Lead Veterinary Surgeon role at inspiring vet care in Reading offers a chance to set clinical standards and guide a collaborative team. You will lead governance, support staff development and drive improvements in patient care and client experience.

With a focus on mentorship, advanced surgical and medical capability, you’ll shape clinical strategy while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and relocation support where applicable.

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration with substantial small or mixed animal experience.
• Proven mentoring and coaching abilities for veterinary colleagues.
• Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits and quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain high standards of clinical care and decision-making.
• Provide clinical guidance, support and mentorship to the veterinary team.
• Support colleagues with development, training and wellbeing.
• Improve clinical processes, workflow and client experience.
• Lead by example in patient care, professionalism and client service.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical expertise

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Veterinary degree and RCVS registration

Tools

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound

Dental X-ray

Job description

Salary up to £85,000 Plus Relocation allowance up to £5000 and Welcome Bonus up to £5,000

The Woodley Vet is situated on the lovely Woodley precinct, with excellent links to central Reading and the M4 Located in a lovely area with convenient off-street parking nearby, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact within a collaborative and welcoming team.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and maintain high standards of clinical care and decision-making.
• Provide clinical guidance, support and mentorship to the veterinary team.
• Support colleagues with their development, training and wellbeing.
• Help improve clinical processes, workflow and the client experience.
• Encourage a positive culture of teamwork, learning and open communication.
• Lead by example in patient care, professionalism and client service.
• Support team appraisals, goal setting and staff development alongside the Practice Manager.
• Work with the Practice Manager to develop the practice and identify ways to improve services.

Practice Highlights

The practice is well-equipped

• Three spacious consulting rooms
• Dedicated theatre
• Digital X-ray
• Brand-new ultrasound
• Dental X-ray facilities currently being introduced as part of our continued investment in the practice.

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.

Shift patterns varying from 08.00-19.30, and one Saturday a month 08.30-12.30 on a rotating basis.

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 or mixed animal practice, including advanced surgical and medical capability
• Proven experience in 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

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 IVC academy training centres & 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 & 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.

Up to £85,000 DOE