Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

IVC Evidensia UK; Woodley; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Retail discounts and cashback

Job summary

The Woodley Vet, part of IVC Evidensia UK, is seeking a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to oversee clinical standards and governance, delivering outstanding patient and client care. You will provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team and guide complex cases.

You will work with the senior leadership to drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working, with shift patterns 08:00-19:30 and occasional Saturday rotations.

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration with substantial experience in small or mixed animal practice.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team support capabilities are essential.
• Experience driving clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives.

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.
• Foster a positive culture of teamwork, learning and open communication.
• Lead by example in patient care, professionalism and client service.
• Support appraisals, goal setting and staff development with the Practice Manager.
• Collaborate with the Practice Manager to develop the practice and improve services.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Clinical governance

Communication

Education

Veterinary degree

RCVS registration

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

• Dedicated theatre
• Digital X-ray
• 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

• 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.

The Woodley Vet

106 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley, RG5 3JY, 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.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Michael Middleton from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.