Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

St Marys Veterinary Clinic, Ferndown, Ferndown, South West

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time, Part Time, Flexible

Salary up to £80,000 DOE

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Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
St Marys Veterinary Clinic | Ferndown, Dorset

Salary up to £80,000 DOE and up to £3,000 Welcome Bonus and up to £3,000 Relocation Allowance

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.

St Marys Vets is an established, single-site practice with a strong local reputation and a great GP first-opinion caseload.

This role offers a balanced mix of consults and surgery, with the opportunity to work up cases in-house from routine procedures to ECC, while having referral support when needed.

You’ll need to be confident with sole charge and enjoy working with a varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, and the occasional exotic.

The practice is fully equipped with modern facilities including digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, and an in-house lab and is due to undergo a full refurbishment.

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.

Monday to Friday 9:00 - 18:30 (1 half day during the week 9:00 - 13:00 to be arranged) 1 in 3 Saturday mornings 8:30 -12:30
No OOH or on call
Open to PT candidates

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 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

6.6 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.

St Marys Veterinary Clinic, Ferndown

300 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AS, United Kingdom

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Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets

Exotic Friendly

Rabbit Friendly

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

Talent Partner

Amelia Bateman

amelia.bateman@ivcevidensia.com