Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced vet to take on a true clinical leadership position while staying closely involved in day-to-day practice. Around 80% of your time will be spent in practice, working across a varied caseload that includes both consults and surgery.

Alongside your clinical work, you’ll help guide colleagues, support less experienced vets and new graduates, and influence how the practice develops. The role is based within Axe Valley Vets, a six-site small animal practice in Blackford, Wedmore, in semi-rural Somerset.

You’ll work 40 hours per week across either 4 or 5 days, with a share of 1:8 late vet cover and 1:10 Saturdays.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership as the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice.
• Lead on clinical standards, governance, quality improvement and performance across services.
• Support and develop veterinary colleagues, including less experienced vets and new graduates.
• Guide complex case discussions and act as a key source of clinical decision-making.
• Work closely with senior practice leadership on the strategic direction of the practice.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, clinical culture and sustainable service delivery.
• Maintain a hands-on caseload across consults and surgery.

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration.
• Significant experience in small or mixed animal practice.
• Advanced surgical and medical capability.
• Experience in a senior or leadership role within veterinary practice.
• Experience mentoring, coaching or supporting veterinary colleagues.
• Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 FTE DOE.
• 40 hours per week across either 4 or 5 days.
• Share of 1:8 late vet cover and 1:10 Saturdays.
• 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays.
• 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, subject to eligibility.
• Retail discounts and cashback offers.
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets.
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
• CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses.
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks.
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles.

About the Practice

Axe Valley Vets is a six-site small animal practice based in Blackford, Wedmore, in semi-rural Somerset. The team is described as friendly, experienced and supportive, with vets, RVNs and client care colleagues working together across the practice.

The practice is equipped with digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy and multiparameter monitoring. A substantial refurbishment at the main Blackford site is scheduled for October 2026. The practice treats dogs, cats and small pets, and is rabbit friendly.