Dragon Vets Rissington - Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Dragon Vets - Rissington, Cheltenham, South West

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time, Part Time, Flexible

Up to £70,000 DOE

Apply

Lead Vet Surgeon
Salary up to £70,000 DOE
Relocation Allowance up to £5000

Dragon Vets part of inspiring vet care are seeking an enthusiastic Veterinary Surgeon to join our Rissington site as a branch lead. The role will require to you to help shape the future of the branch, by developing the staff and supporting senior management to ensure the site thrives. We promote further growth and development within the team giving you access to a large client base with a wide variety of cases, equipment, CPD and a supportive team. In this role you will be working with a large team of dedicated Vets, Nurses and supporting team members to deliver excellent client & patient care.  The role would be based primary at Rissington, by working 3 days per week there, along with 1 other day at one of the other sites

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.

Practice Highlights

Located in the heart of Cheltenham, renowned for horse racing and a thriving bar/restaurant scene, Dragon Vets is an established practice and has invested in specialist equipment including CT, DR, rigid/flexible endoscopy, high-end Doppler ultrasonography and well-equipped operating facilities including laparoscopic kits and TPLO kits, and much more. We have a team of 16 vets, including certificate holders with advanced practitioner status in small animal surgery, cardiology, and medicine, and value evidence-based medicine with regular clinical discussions and readily available colleague support. We function as more than a first-opinion practice, often performing complex surgeries and treating intensive medical cases that may otherwise have been referred. Having been established for decades, we have a huge client base which comes with lots of variety in caseload. We have a dedicated, separate out-of-hours team – Vets Now – based within the same building, enabling 24-hour care. Our nursing team is made up of 17 RVNS and 4 SVNs in various stages of their training.

Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, that’s why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. We’re happy to offer flexibility to both part & full time applications.  A typical full time role would involve working an average of 37 hours per week over 4 days. You’ll be required to work 1:4 Saturday mornings. No out of hours or on call required. 

Here's what the team have to say

"I started at Dragon vets nine years ago working after school as an ACA. After leaving to go to vet school, I was welcomed back into the team as a new graduate vet in 2023. Dragon have given me a supportive and exciting start to my career. We are lucky to have the facilities in house to advance diagnostics and care beyond first opinion. I enjoy working with all the team and am proud to be a part of it." – Sofia, vet.

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.

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

6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays

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.

Dragon Vets - Rissington

8 Sopwith Road, Upper Rissington, Cheltenham, GL54 2NL, United Kingdom

View on map

Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets

Rabbit Friendly

Visit website

Apply

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

Lead Talent Partner

Susan Todd

susan.todd@ivcevidensia.com