Salary up to £80,000 plus Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
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.
Highcroft Vets is a modern and well-equipped small animal practice with a strong reputation for delivering high standards of patient and client care within the local community. We pride ourselves on providing a calm, welcoming and professional environment for colleagues, clients and patients alike.
You’ll enjoy a varied first opinion caseload with a balanced mix of consulting and surgery, working within an experienced team of three Veterinary Surgeons who are always willing to share knowledge and provide guidance. Whether you are an experienced vet or looking to further develop your skills within a supportive environment, this role offers an excellent platform to grow and thrive clinically.
We operate across two sites, Hailsham and Polegate.
Practice Highlights
Hailsham (Main Practice)
Spacious consulting rooms
Radiology suite with digital X-ray and ultrasound
Dedicated dental suite with dental X-ray
Full in-house IDEXX laboratory, including Lasercyte
Surgical theatre with operating microscope, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry and capnography
Ophthalmology equipment, including Tonopen
Separate dog and cat wards
Large secure garden area for inpatients
Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic)
Located just 4 miles away
Focused on preventative healthcare and routine care
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.
Working Pattern
Up to 40 hours per week across both our Hailsham and Polegate practices
Shifts are worked on a rota basis and issued 12 weeks in advance
Typical shift pattern is 8:00am–7:00pm
No out-of-hours commitment
Key Responsibilities
Lead clinical standards and governance across the practice
Support and develop the veterinary team through coaching and mentorship
Oversee complex medical and surgical cases
Contribute to practice operations and financial performance
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and clinical excellence
Support team engagement, communication and development
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 animal practice and strong medical and surgical capability
Proven experience 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 and 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
6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
Private medical insurance
Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
BVA membership, VDS cover and 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.