Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

VC Evidensia UK; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave & pay

BVA membership & RCVS fees

Cycle to Work

Job summary

IVC Evidensia in Derby is seeking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon for small animal care, with leadership responsibilities and a focus on clinical excellence. You will mentor the team, oversee complex cases, and uphold governance standards while contributing to ongoing practice development.

The role offers a 38 or 40 hour week with one in three Saturday mornings, and a Welcome Bonus plus relocation support as part of the package.

Qualifications

• Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS are required to practice.
• Experience mentoring veterinary colleagues and leading teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience contributing to clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to manage complex cases and provide second opinions in challenging scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team, supporting vets and nurses in skill development.
• Take oversight of complex cases and ensure highest standards of patient care.
• Promote clinical governance and compliance with standards and protocols.
• Support service development, CPD, and career progression within the practice.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Clinical governance

Audits

CPD

Second opinions

Complex cases

Education

Veterinary degree and RCVS registration

Job description

Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Salary up to £75,000 Plus Welcome Bonus of up to £5000 and Relocation allowance up to £5000

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Senior Veterinary Surgeon to join our team at Easipetcare Derby, part of inspiring vet care. With an exciting transformation ahead, the practice will be rebranded this July as Dovedale House, as part of the wider inspire vet care network rebrand. This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role at a pivotal moment and play a key part in shaping the future identity, culture, and clinical direction of the practice

Inspiring vet care is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.

At inspiring vet care, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.

How You’ll Make a Difference

In this role, you will lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team, supporting vets and nurses as they build their skills and confidence. You will take oversight of complex cases, provide second opinions, and ensure the highest standards of patient care, while promoting clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practice.
You will play a key role in maintaining robust clinical governance, ensuring full compliance with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards. Working closely with our newly appointed Director of practice Laura McKechnie, you will support service development, implement improvements, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice. You will also cultivate a positive and engaged team culture that values collaboration, learning, and development, actively supporting CPD and career progression to help every team member reach their full potential.

This is a full-time position working either a 38 or 40 hour week, we’re happy to offer flexibility with either a four day week working 38 hours per week or five-day week working 40 hours per week, depending on what suits you best. The role also includes a requirement to work one in three Saturday mornings (9:00am–12:00pm), with time off in lieu provided.

About us

We are a close-knit team that prides itself on being supportive, positive, and collaborative. Our current team includes the Practice Director, one Veterinary Surgeon, three Registered Veterinary Nurses, one Student Veterinary Nurse, one Veterinary Care Assistant, and four Receptionists. As we continue to grow, this role offers the opportunity to play an active part in shaping and developing the team as the practice evolves. The practice is equipped with standard surgical and diagnostic equipment including radiography, ultrasound, in-house Idexx laboratory facilities, dental equipment and multiparameter monitoring. We also have access to external laboratory testing via Idexx. Later in the year, we also plan to introduce dental radiography.

Here’s what the team have to say

'I started at Easipetcare about 6 months ago and was warmly welcomed into the team. The practice is bright, spacious, and the team work well together. Everyone is keen to do the best for our clients and patients. Ideas for improvement are openly shared and considered. Individual interests are encouraged and I have been supported in pursuing opportunities for experience in areas I'm less confident in. Feedback is well received by management and beneficial changes are made when possible. The practice has a lot of potential and we're all very excited for what's to come with our rebrand.'
Erin Beever BSc BVMS MRCVS

A great place to live & work

Living in Derby has many benefits. It is a friendly city with good schools, parks, and shops. There are plenty of jobs, especially in engineering and business. Derby also has good transport links, so it is easy to travel to other cities. It is a nice place to live because it is safe, affordable, and has something for everyone.

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, with advanced surgical and medical capability
• Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skillsExperience 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 IVC Evidensia, 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.

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.