Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a lead veterinary surgeon position across Sussex Coast Vets, Well House Vets, and 1066 Vets in the Bexhill-on-Sea area. You'll oversee all clinical aspects of the practice, working with a Director of Practice and a collaborative team in a fully supported environment. The practice sits in the heart of East Sussex, surrounded by picturesque countryside and a vibrant coastline, with easy commutes to Brighton (45 minutes), London (1 hour), and Gatwick Airport (1 hour).

This is a full-time permanent role with flexible rota patterns designed to protect your work-life balance. You'll have the option to discuss which locations work best for you across the three sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical governance, protocol implementation, and audits across the practice
• Ensure high standards of care aligned with RCVS guidance, industry regulations, and IVC Evidensia best practices
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and clinical mentoring of the veterinary and nursing team
• Work alongside experienced vets (including a certificate holder in orthopaedics), nurses, and support staff
• Manage a varied small animal caseload with state-of-the-art facilities including digital X-ray, Doppler ultrasound, endoscopy, and blood analyzers

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with RCVS registration
• Leadership experience and demonstrated ability to mentor a clinical team
• Strong knowledge of clinical governance and RCVS guidance
• Passion for high-quality patient care and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience, plus up to £10,000 welcome bonus
• Up to £8,000 relocation allowance
• Fully furnished 1-bedroom flat available
• 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays, plus your birthday off
• £1,250 CPD allowance plus 40 hours paid CPD annually
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family-friendly leave and pay
• BVA membership covered
• VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Access to Vetlexicon online resources and world-leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres

About the Practice

Sussex Coast Vets, along with Well House Vets and 1066 Vets, are part of IVC Evidensia, a global veterinary group operating over 2,500 clinics and hospitals in 20 countries. The practices serve the Hastings and Bexhill area with high client numbers and a varied caseload. Facilities include state-of-the-art equipment, and the team collaborates with local charities and participates in the RSPCA Neutering Scheme for cats and bull-breeds.

The practices are built on a philosophy that prevention is better than cure, offering a Pet Health Club for routine healthcare and a genuinely caring approach to animal welfare.