Surgical Lead Vet - Small Animal

Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Hailsham is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon to take on a leadership role. The candidate will oversee clinical governance, ensure high care standards, and mentor a dedicated team. Competitive salary up to £75,000 DOE, alongside various benefits including relocation allowance and CPD funding. This role emphasizes a supportive work culture focused on continuous improvement and exceptional patient care.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

6.6 weeks’ holiday

Private medical insurance

£1,250 CPD allowance

Work‑life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• MRCVS-qualified with strong clinical experience.
• Proven leadership skills or ambition to lead a team.
• Confident in managing clinical standards and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all clinical aspects of the practice.
• Implement protocols and ensure high care standards.
• Drive operational excellence and outstanding patient care.

Skills

MRCVS qualification

Leadership skills

Clinical standards management

Communication skills

Team development

Understanding of operations and finances

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

Salary: up to £75,000 DOE
Welcome Bonus up to £2,000 DOE
Relocation Allowance up to £3,000 DOE
1 month accommodation included

Lead the Future of Veterinary Care

Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready to step into a leadership role where your clinical insight, and strategic vision will make a real impact? Join us at Highcroft as our Lead Vet and help shape the future of our thriving practice.

You’ll oversee all clinical aspects of the practice, ensuring high standards of care aligned with RCVS guidance, industry regulations and IVC Evidensia best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical governance, protocol implementation, audits, quality improvement and mentoring the team.
• Ensuring high standards of care aligned with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia best practices.
• Holding personal and team-wide accountability in line with Veterinary Surgeon role profile and RCVS standards.
• Driving operational excellence and outstanding patient care.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, we would love to hear from you!

Who we are

You’ll be joining an established small animal practice based in Hailsham, East Sussex, just 7 miles from the coastline and within easy reach of Eastbourne, Brighton, London, and Gatwick Airport. Surrounded by the rolling Sussex countryside, we offer the perfect blend of rural charm and urban convenience – ideal for lovers of the outdoors who still enjoy access to city life.

Our supportive experienced team includes experienced vets, talented nurses, and a dedicated client care team, all backed by an approachable and proactive leader. We pride ourselves on maintaining a collaborative, positive work environment where everyone is encouraged to support one another and develop to be the best that you can be. We are known for our friendly, professional service and commitment to high‑quality care for our clients and their beloved pets.

Our Facilities

We operate across two sites: Hailsham (Main Practice) and Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic).

Hailsham (Main Practice)

• Spacious consult rooms
• Radiology suite with digital X‑ray and ultrasound
• Dedicated dental suite with dental X‑ray
• Full in‑house IDEXX lab (including Lasercyte)
• Surgical theatre with operating microscope, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry & capnography
• Ophthalmology equipment including tonopen
• Separate dog and cat wards
• Large, secure garden area for inpatients

Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic)

• Just 4 miles away, focused on preventative health and routine care

What We Offer

Full‑time or part‑time position available.

• Working hours: 8:00 am–7:00 pm (Mon‑Fri), 8:30 am–12:30 pm (Saturdays). Saturday mornings on a shared rota, normally 1:4, dependent on the needs of the practice.
• No Sundays, night shifts, or bank holiday working.

What You’ll Bring

• MRCVS‑qualified with strong clinical experience
• Proven leadership skills or ambition to lead a team
• Confident in managing clinical standards and protocols
• Understanding of practice operations and finances
• Excellent communication and team development abilities
• Committed to continuous improvement and clinical excellence
• Transport to travel between practices

You Matter to Us – Your Benefits at a Glance

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do.

• Competitive base salary
• Work‑life balance and wellbeing initiatives
• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays – plus your birthday off
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave and pay
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Welcome bonus up to £2,000 DOE
• Relocation bonus up to £3,000 DOE
• Accommodation for 1 month included
• £1,250 CPD allowance + 40 hours paid CPD
• Certificate and advanced learning support
• Access to Vetlexicon online resources
• World‑leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets