Lead Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal

About the Role

Join Walton Lodge Vets as Lead Veterinary Surgeon and take the helm of clinical excellence at a thriving small animal practice in Ware. This is a daytime-only role offering a rewarding blend of solo first-opinion work and hospital support, where you'll lead the clinical team while staying hands-on with patient care. You'll work alongside experienced colleagues who value collaboration and quality, supported by a dedicated night nurse on site, so you're never managing emergencies alone at night.

This opportunity suits either a confident vet ready to step into leadership for the first time, or an established Lead Vet seeking a fresh challenge with genuine backing from senior practice leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the most senior veterinary clinician, setting clinical standards and governance across the practice
• Provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, overseeing complex cases and guiding decision-making
• Mentor, coach, and support veterinary colleagues in their professional development
• Lead clinical quality improvement initiatives, audits, and governance reviews
• Manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
• Deliver a varied first-opinion caseload including consultations and surgery while supporting the hospital
• Work closely with senior practice leadership on strategic direction and continuous improvement

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration
• Significant experience in small or mixed animal practice with advanced surgical and medical capability
• Proven track record mentoring and supporting veterinary colleagues
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives
• Ability to manage clinical complaints with professionalism and integrity
• Commitment to highest standards of patient and client care

Benefits

• Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for continuing development
• CPD allowance and funded access to IVC academy training centres
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave including maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy pay
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Walton Lodge Vets is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice operates as part of a group of 6 practices, anchored by a well-equipped hospital in Ware. The team includes experienced vets Omar Garcia-Herrero MRCVS, Beatriz Villoria MRCVS, and Catia Dentamaro MRCVS, who are dedicated to delivering high-level customer service and exceptional animal care.

inspiring vet care is committed to a values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement, with dedicated support for ongoing professional development and wellbeing initiatives.