Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Otter Vets, Sidmouth; Sidmouth; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance

Welcome bonus

Private medical insurance

Career development

Job summary

Otter Vets in Sidmouth, Devon, is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon for small animals. The role offers up to £80,000 DOE, with relocation allowance up to £5,000 and a welcome bonus up to £5,000. The position is full-time (40 hours across 4–5 days) with no out-of-hours requirements and options for part-time 30+ hours.

You’ll lead a supportive team, maintain a varied caseload, and have access to a well-equipped practice and ongoing professional development through the IVC network.

Qualifications

• Strong clinical experience with small animals.
• Experience mentoring colleagues would be valued.
• GDP qualification would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the veterinary team and guide case management.
• Manage a varied caseload with emphasis on cats and dogs.
• Oversee surgeries on set operating days and provide professional development.

Skills

Clinical experience

Team mentoring

GDP qualification (advantage)

Tools

IDEXX suite

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound

Job description

Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal Otter Vets - Sidmouth, Devon

Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 and Welcome Bonus 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.

Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready for the next step in your career? At Otter Vets, part of ivc, we're looking for a confident and ambitious Lead Vet to take the reins of our practice. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established team, bring your ideas to the table and truly make the practice your own, helping to shape its future and grow its success.

A Role Where Your Experience Matters

We're looking for someone with strong clinical experience and a genuine interest in supporting and developing a team. Experience mentoring colleagues would be highly valued, and a Vet GDP qualification would be advantageous. You'll have the freedom to develop your own areas of interest, with support available if you'd like to pursue a certificate. When additional expertise or facilities are needed, you'll have access to support from our sister site at New Street, as well as the wider Otter team across our 3 sites.

A Varied Caseload with Room to Grow

Our caseload is a lovely mix of predominantly cats and dogs, with a small number of small furries. Days are well balanced between consultations and surgery, with dedicated admin time built into each day so you can keep on top of your notes without feeling rushed. Routine surgeries are performed on set operating days, and you'll have the ability to refer cases whenever needed.

We're well equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound, a tonometer and an IDEXX suite, while our fantastic nursing team supports both surgery and consultations and runs their own nurse clinics. At New Street, you'll also have access to dental X-ray facilities.

Flexibility That Works for You

This is a full-time role working 40 hours over four or five days, with just one in four Saturday mornings (8:30am-1pm). There are no out-of-hours or on-call requirements. We're also happy to consider part-time applicants looking to work 30 hours or more.

Discover Life in Sidmouth

Based on Devon's stunning Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth offers the perfect blend of beautiful beaches, countryside and traditional seaside charm. With excellent schools, a variety of shops and cafés with plenty of outdoor activities on your doorstep, it's an appealing place to call home. Exeter is also within easy reach, making Sidmouth a fantastic option for those looking to relocate and enjoy a great quality of life without sacrificing access to a vibrant city.

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 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.

Salary up to £80,000 DOE