Lead Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to step into clinical leadership at a well-established small animal practice in stunning Pembrokeshire. You'll spend approximately 75% of your time delivering high-quality clinical care across consultations and surgery, while taking on meaningful leadership responsibilities alongside the Practice Director. The role combines hands-on veterinary work with mentoring, strategic input, and team development in a supportive, values-led environment.

Based in beautiful Pembrokeshire, West Wales, you'll enjoy an exceptional quality of life surrounded by 186 miles of Wales Coast Path, 58 beaches, and 14 harbours. The working pattern is full-time at 37.5 hours per week, with shifts between 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday on a rota basis, plus Saturday mornings (8:30am to 1:30pm) on a rotational basis, primarily based in Haverfordwest with rotation across branch sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the clinical team alongside the Practice Director
• Deliver high-quality patient care across consultations and surgical procedures
• Mentor and support less experienced veterinary surgeons through case discussions and clinical development
• Help drive clinical standards, team engagement and a positive practice culture
• Contribute to business performance, operational success and sustainable practice growth
• Work collaboratively with a team including a Senior Vet, Veterinary Surgeons, Head RVN, Registered Veterinary Nurses, Student Veterinary Nurses, Animal Care Assistants, Practice Director, Reception Coordinator, Client Care Team and Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation Coordinator

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
• Demonstrated experience working in clinical practice with confidence in medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Leadership or mentoring experience, with a genuine passion for supporting and developing others
• Professionalism, reliability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £85,000 FTE depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000 paid with first salary
• Relocation allowance up to £8,000
• Elevate bonus equivalent to 20% of annual salary paid after six months
• Elevate bonus equivalent to 10% of annual salary paid after twelve months
• Dedicated relocation concierge support and up to three days' paid relocation leave
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

Practice Facilities

The Oak Veterinary Group is a modern, well-equipped small animal hub with comprehensive facilities including aquatic treadmill for hydrotherapy, physiotherapy equipment, laser therapy, massage therapy services, vet-led acupuncture services, full surgical facilities, dentistry equipment, in-house laboratory, ultrasound, digital radiography and endoscopy. The practice also includes an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, enabling complex orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures to be performed in-house.

About the Practice

The Oak Veterinary Group is based in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, serving the local community with caring and professional veterinary care. Part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, the practice combines clinical excellence with a genuine focus on healthier animals and happier owners.

The Haverfordwest surgery is the small animal hub with appointments throughout the day, evenings and Saturdays, where all surgery, radiography and ultrasound procedures are carried out in a modern facility. Additional branch surgeries in Manorowen (Fishguard) and St Davids provide consultations at various times, and the Clarbeston Road facility provides comprehensive farm animal services. The team is values-led, collaborative and committed to continuous improvement and staff development.