
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.
Axe Valley Vets is a six site, highly respected small animal practice set in semi-rural Somerset. 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 with the support of an experienced management team.
This role offers the best of both worlds. Around 80% of your time will be spent in practice, working across a varied and rewarding caseload, from consults to surgery. Alongside this, you will play a key leadership role, supporting and developing your colleagues, guiding clinical discussions and helping to build confidence in less experienced vets and new graduates. You’ll also have the opportunity to influence how the practice grows and evolves, contributing to clinical standards, continuous improvement and a strong, collaborative culture across our busy sites.
You’ll be joining a genuinely friendly, experienced and supportive team of vets, RVNs and client care colleagues who enjoy working together and supporting one another. The practice is well equipped with digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy and multiparameter monitoring, giving you everything you need to deliver high-quality care. We are also having a considerable refurbishment at our main site in Blackford in October 2026.
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.
Responsibilites and working hours
You’ll oversee clinical governance, quality improvement and performance across services, working closely with senior operational leaders to drive excellent patient outcomes, sustainable service delivery and a strong clinical culture. This role combines strategic leadership with accountability for clinical standards, people development and continuous improvement.
This is an ideal role for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking to combine hands-on clinical work with the chance to shape and lead a well-established practice.
You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You’ll bring:
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
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.

Redmans Hill, Blackford, Wedmore, BS28 4NG, United Kingdom
Animals treated
Dogs, cats & small pets
Rabbit Friendly
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.
Speak to Maizie Brown from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.