Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

VC Evidensia UK; Witham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave

BVA membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Retail discounts

Job summary

VC Evidensia UK, located in Witham, is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to take on a Clinical Lead role within a six-site practice in Essex. This role offers a unique opportunity to balance clinical work with leadership duties while ensuring excellent care for a broad mix of patients.

The ideal candidate will have RCVS registration and strong clinical skills, along with the ability to lead and support a team. The practice provides various resources and support for career development, promoting a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Veterinary Surgeon with RCVS registration.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload.
• Experience in a senior role is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Shape clinical direction and support less experienced vets.
• Enjoy hands-on clinical work across consultations, surgeries, and diagnostics.
• Contribute to the growth and evolution of the practice.

Skills

RCVS registration

Strong clinical capability

Communication skills

Ability to guide others

Education

Veterinary degree

Tools

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

ECG

Digital and dental x-ray

Job description

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group, Witham, Witham, South East

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.

We are looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to step into an additional Clinical Lead role, joining our established Clinical Lead team within a six-site practice in Essex. This is a key position for a confident clinician who enjoys a varied caseload while helping to shape clinical standards, support colleagues, and contribute to the continued growth of our practice.

You won’t be leading alone, you’ll work alongside our existing senior leadership group, adding your experience and perspective to a collaborative Clinical Lead structure that already supports our teams across all sites. This role has been created to strengthen our leadership capacity as we continue to expand, evolve, and invest in clinical excellence.

A Role That Balances Clinical Work and Leadership

You’re an experienced Veterinary Surgeon with RCVS registration, strong clinical capability, and a natural ability to support and guide others.

You will play a key role in shaping clinical direction, supporting less experienced vets, and working closely with the wider leadership team, whilst continuing to enjoy hands‑on clinical work across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics. You’ll have the opportunity to influence how the practice grows and evolves, contributing to clinical standards, continuous improvement and a strong, collaborative culture amongst our six clinics.

As an established six-site small animal practice, we have a large clinical team supported by experienced support staff we offer strong support for certificate development and clinical interests across the team.

If you’re an experienced vet ready to shape the future of a well‑established practice while continuing hands‑on work, this could be the perfect next step.

Clinical Variety with Real Depth

Experience within a senior role would be an advantage, but just as important is your ability to communicate well, build relationships and create an environment where people feel supported to do their best work.

• You’ll see a broad mix of patients including cats, dogs, small furries and wildlife
• Certificate holders in ophthalmology, orthopedics surgery, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, cardiology
• The caseload includes routine work alongside certificate holders in surgery, cardiology, ophthalmology and internal medicine. With hospital status allowing exposure to complex cases.
• You’ll have access to ultrasound, endoscopy, ECG, a full IDEXX lab, digital and dental x‑ray, and a wide range of laparoscopic and orthopedic equipment, all within a practice committed to continuous improvement and sustainability.
• Our main site offers separate cat and dog areas, multiple consult rooms, three theatres, dedicated imaging and lab spaces, purpose‑built wards, quiet office areas and welcoming staff facilities, opportunities to work across multiple branches.
• Vets work 40 hours over four days, with shifts from 8am to a 6.30pm last appointment. The rota includes 1 in 5 Saturday mornings and 1 in 8 emergency day cover for our own clients only. There’s no on‑call, and weekend working is balanced with extra time off, allowing up to five consecutive rest days.

What We Offer Our Team

• 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.

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group, Witham

Powers Hall End, Witham, Witham, CM8 2HG, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long‑term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.