Lead Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Join Grange Hill Vets as Lead Veterinary Surgeon and take the helm of a compassionate, supportive clinical team in the heart of Lichfield. This is a leadership position where you’ll mentor and develop vets and nurses, oversee complex cases, and champion evidence-based best practice—all without the burnout. Working up to 30 hours per week with a shared 1:4 Saturday rota (08:45–14:45 shifts only), you’ll have genuine flexibility and zero out-of-hours or on-call responsibilities. If you need it, temporary accommodation is available in a self-contained flat next door to the practice.

The practice sits on the outskirts of Lichfield, a vibrant city with excellent countryside access, close to Cannock Chase and Chase Water. You’ll be working with a tight-knit team of 2.5 permanent vets, 1 head RVN, 4 RVNs, 1 SVN, and supportive back-office staff, backed by the leadership of Practice Director Helen Fern.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team, supporting vets and nurses in developing their skills and confidence
• Oversee complex cases and provide clinical second opinions
• Maintain and drive clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practice
• Ensure full compliance with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards through strong clinical governance
• Work collaboratively with the Practice Director to support service development and drive practice improvements
• Foster a positive, engaged team culture that encourages learning, development, and career progression
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and strategic development of the practice

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with strong clinical knowledge and leadership experience
• Ability to mentor and develop team members at all levels
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement
• RCVS registration and good standing required
• Flexible approach to working arrangements and shared 1:4 Saturday rota (08:45 – 14:45)

Facilities & Equipment

You’ll have access to excellent facilities including 4 spacious consultation rooms, a fully equipped operating theatre, imaging suite with ultrasound and X-ray machines, brand new dental X-ray facilities, and an extensive internal lab offering same-day results for many tests. The practice also features a dedicated euthanasia room for client privacy, ample free parking, and a separate staff kitchen with outdoor seating.

Benefits

• Flexible working: Up to 30 hours per week (pro rata salary to £75,000), part-time or full-time options available
• Work-life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, plus additional holiday for your birthday
• Accommodation: Temporary self-contained one-bedroom flat available next door to the practice (if needed)
• Professional development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata), certificate support, and access to IVC Evidensia Academy
• Learning resources: Access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, research funding available, and £1,250 annual Care Fund allowance per vet
• Wellbeing support: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, surrogacy pay)
• Professional memberships: BVA membership and VDS cover included
• Pension: Company pension scheme with IVC Evidensia contribution
• Additional perks: Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme, voluntary benefits, retail discounts/cashback, discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Grange Hill Vets is a well-established small animal practice on the outskirts of Lichfield, West Midlands, part of the IVC Evidensia group. The practice is known for its tight-knit, professional team culture and commitment to treating all patients as if they were their own. The team has recently promoted their Head RVN and takes pride in delivering excellent work-life balance alongside a friendly, collaborative atmosphere with both colleagues and clients.

Out-of-hours emergencies are handled by Pool House Veterinary Hospital, just a short drive away. The practice operates from modern, well-equipped premises with natural daylight throughout, a spacious car park, and a welcoming staff environment that values colleague wellbeing as much as patient care.