Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be stepping into the senior veterinary position at Crieff & Fair City Vets, a well-established small animal practice spanning three locations across Perthshire. This is a genuine leadership opportunity where you’ll shape clinical standards, guide a team of six vets and five RVNs, and influence the future direction of the practice. The role offers a structured working pattern—Fair City on Mondays and Fridays, Crieff on Wednesdays and Thursdays (8:30am–7:00pm)—giving you continuity and the chance to build relationships across all three sites.

Based in the heart of Perthshire, you’ll enjoy a rare combination of clinical fulfilment and quality of life. Crieff is a charming market town with independent shops and a strong sense of community, while nearby Perth offers cultural venues, restaurants, and excellent transport links to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The beautiful Scottish landscapes provide easy access to walks, cycling, and outdoor activities—all on your doorstep.

The practice itself is modern and well-equipped, with laparoscopy, ultrasonography, dental radiography, in-house lab facilities, radiography, and laser therapy. You’ll be working alongside a collaborative team passionate about continuous development and high-quality patient care, with a varied caseload ranging from routine to complex medical and surgical cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards, governance, and RCVS compliance across all three sites (Crieff, Fair City, Auchterarder)
• Oversee complex cases, provide clinical guidance, and act as the primary decision-maker on clinical matters within the practice
• Drive clinical governance initiatives including audits, protocol development, and continuous quality improvement
• Mentor and support the development of six veterinary colleagues, encouraging CPD and clinical progression
• Work closely with the Practice Director on clinical strategy, performance metrics, and operational efficiency
• Manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in challenging situations
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture that values learning and professional growth

Requirements

• RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon with significant small animal practice experience
• Demonstrated advanced surgical and medical capability
• Proven track record in mentoring, coaching, and developing veterinary colleagues
• Strong leadership, communication, and clinical decision-making skills
• Experience with clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives
• Ability to manage clinical complaints with professionalism and integrity
• Commitment to highest standards of patient and client care

Benefits

• Salary & Bonus: Up to £65,000 depending on experience, plus a welcome bonus of up to £5,000
• Professional Development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance, access to IVC Evidensia Academy training centres, role-relevant courses, mentors, and regional clinical coaches
• Time Off: 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies), retail discounts and cashback offers, reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career Pathways: Clear progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Crieff & Fair City Vets is a well-established, community-focused small animal practice operating across three sites: Crieff (close-knit and welcoming), Fair City in Perth (spacious with modern facilities), and Auchterarder (recently renovated with excellent growth potential). The team comprises six vets, five RVNs, three SVNs, two ACAs, and a dedicated reception team. The practice is equipped with advanced clinical facilities and is known for its collaborative culture and commitment to clinical excellence.

Part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals, the practice benefits from group support while maintaining its own identity and values. IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting career development, wellbeing, and creating inclusive working environments where veterinary professionals can grow in confidence and capability.