Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is your chance to combine hands-on small animal clinical work with meaningful leadership responsibilities. You'll take the lead on clinical standards and mentoring as Acres Vets relocates to a brand-new, purpose-built facility at Airdrie Retail Park in 2026. It's a pivotal moment for the practice, and your influence will help shape its future direction.

You'll work a 35-hour week across four weekdays, including one later shift, with just 1 in 6 Saturday mornings (potentially 1 in 7). This 12-month fixed-term maternity cover role offers an ideal stepping stone for an experienced small animal vet seeking to gain or develop leadership experience without a permanent commitment.

Based in Airdrie, you'll enjoy the Central Belt's best of both worlds: Glasgow is just 12 miles away and Edinburgh around 35 miles, giving you access to vibrant cities while benefiting from more affordable living, beautiful countryside and excellent transport links across Scotland.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal first-opinion clinical care
• Lead by example and mentor a team of 6 veterinary surgeons, 5 RVNs and 9 support staff members
• Work closely with the Practice Manager and nursing team to drive clinical excellence
• Maintain clinical standards and encourage continuous professional development across the practice
• Support colleagues and build strong client relationships in a collaborative, values-led environment
• Help guide the practice through an exciting growth phase as it transitions to the new facility

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) with proven small animal general practice experience
• Demonstrated leadership ability or appetite to develop leadership skills
• Collaborative approach to mentoring and supporting colleagues
• Strong client communication and clinical decision-making skills
• Commitment to clinical excellence and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £65,000
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities

About the Practice

Acres Vets is a well-established, single-site first opinion small animal practice entering an exciting new chapter. In 2026, the practice will relocate to a purpose-built facility at Airdrie Retail Park, nearly three times the size of its current premises. This expansion will significantly increase patient capacity and service scope.

The new practice will be equipped with modern, high-specification clinical equipment including digital direct radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, in-house laboratory, tonometry and plans for future endoscopy investment. The practice is an RVN Training Practice and holds RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (General Practice) accreditation, reflecting a genuine commitment to clinical excellence and ongoing development. You'll be joining a friendly, experienced team of 6 veterinary surgeons, 5 RVNs and 9 dedicated support colleagues.