Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal
Beechwood Veterinary Clinic, Ranelagh, Dublin
Full-time, Permanent | Salary up to €75,000 DOE
Relocation Allowance up to €5,000
Welcome Bonus up to €5,000
A Leadership Role Where Clinical Excellence Meets Community Practice
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to step into a Lead Vet role within a close-knit, well-established community practice, while still working to a very high clinical standard. At Beechwood Veterinary Clinic, leadership is hands-on, collaborative, and rooted in excellent patient care.
You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the clinical direction of the practice, working closely with the Practice Director as part of a strong leadership partnership. While the PD remains the single accountable leader, this role offers genuine autonomy, influence, and the chance to leave a lasting clinical legacy within a respected Dublin practice.
Your Clinical Impact – Lead From the Front
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll combine advanced clinical practice with mentorship and guidance, setting the tone for clinical standards across the practice. This is a surgically focused role, ideal for a confident clinician who enjoys managing complex cases and being the go-to clinical support for others.
Your day-to-day will include delivering high-quality medical and surgical care, overseeing all surgical procedures in the clinic, managing ongoing and complex cases, and leading clinical decision-making. You’ll support and mentor a junior vet and nursing colleagues, ensure best practice protocols are upheld, and work closely with management on all clinical matters, with operational support firmly in place.
This is a role where your experience, judgement, and leadership will truly matter.
A Sensible Rota With Real Balance
This is a full-time role (40 hours per week) worked over 4 or 5 days, offering flexibility where possible. The clinic operates between 8:00am and 6:30pm, with shifts currently running from 7:30am to 7:00pm to allow for smooth preparation and close-down.
You’ll work one Saturday morning every two weeks (8:15am–1:15pm), with no Sundays, no out-of-hours, and no bank holiday work. The caseload is a balanced mix of medical and surgical cases, with full surgical responsibility sitting with the Lead Vet.
A Practice That Values Standards, Continuity and Teamwork
Beechwood Veterinary Clinic is a well-established small animal practice located in the heart of Ranelagh, one of Dublin’s most desirable and well-connected neighbourhoods. The clinic is modern, well-maintained, and fully equipped to support excellent first-opinion care.
Facilities include a fully equipped operating theatre, comprehensive in-house laboratory, digital X-ray, ultrasound, blood pressure monitoring, and modern diagnostic tools that allow clinicians to work efficiently and to a high standard.
The team is intentionally small and supportive, creating an environment where communication is open and everyone’s contribution is visible and valued. You’ll be working alongside one other Veterinary Surgeon, a Registered Veterinary Nurse, a student nurse/ACA, and an experienced reception team. In this setting, the Lead Vet has a meaningful influence on both clinical outcomes and team development.
Who This Role Is For
This position will suit an experienced VCI registered Veterinary Surgeon who is confident in both medicine and surgery and enjoys guiding others while remaining clinically hands-on. You’ll be approachable, collaborative, and comfortable taking ownership of clinical standards in a small team environment.
You’ll bring strong surgical competence, sound clinical judgement, and the ability to mentor and support less experienced colleagues. Previous experience in a senior or lead role is beneficial but not essential if you have the right mindset and leadership capability.
Essential requirements:
Registered or eligible for registration with the Veterinary Council of Ireland Confident and competent in small animal surgery Strong consultation and diagnostic skills Ability to take clinical leadership responsibility within the practice Good organisational and time-management skills Strong teamwork and communication skills
Rewarding Your Expertise
In return for your experience and leadership, you’ll receive a highly competitive salary up to €75,000 DOE, alongside an excellent benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development, and life outside of work.
Work Life Balance
Enhanced holiday entitlement Birthday Leave (paid day off on your birthday)
Focus on Employee Wellbeing
Paid Maternity Leave Package Paid Paternity Leave Cycle to Work Scheme Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre Paid Bereavement Leave Company Sick Pay
Development
€1300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD days pro rata Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical
Professional Memberships
VCI membership paid VDS cover paid
Additional Benefits
Annual Pay Reviews Dedicated CARE fund – annual contribution of €1,200 from IVC Evidensia for each Vet to use on a case of your choice to ensure successful outcome with your patient (T&Cs apply) Pawesome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers Employer Pension Contributions Free Flu Inoculations Discounted Veterinary Fees Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, Clinical Board and many more) Relocation Packages
A Role With Purpose
This is not a high-volume, impersonal leadership post. It’s an opportunity to lead clinically within a trusted local practice, work closely with your team, and deliver the kind of veterinary care you’re proud to stand behind.
If you’re looking for a Lead Vet role where your experience is respected, your voice is heard, and your leadership genuinely shapes a practice, Beechwood Veterinary Clinic could be the right next step.
We’d love to hear from you.