Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a permanent Lead Veterinary Surgeon position at Grange Hill Vets, a small animal practice nestled on the outskirts of Lichfield. You'll be the senior clinical clinician, shaping clinical standards and delivering outstanding patient care in a genuinely supportive environment. The role works 40 hours over 4 days, with a 1:4 Saturday rota and no night-shift OOH cover (Pool House Veterinary Hospital handles after-hours emergency work nearby).

You'll spend approximately 80% of your time working clinically across a varied caseload of consultations and surgery, with the remaining 20% dedicated to leadership responsibilities. The practice is nestled in the countryside on Lichfield's outskirts, surrounded by beautiful walking country, with good road and rail links to Birmingham and beyond. For those who need it, temporary self-contained accommodation is available next door to the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards, governance, and quality improvement initiatives across the practice
• Provide clinical leadership to a team of 2.5 permanent vets, 1 Head RVN, 4 RVNs, and 1 SVN
• Mentor and develop newly qualified vets and nursing staff, building their confidence and clinical capabilities
• Oversee complex cases and serve as primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making
• Deliver high-quality small animal consultations and surgical procedures across the varied caseload
• Support the Director of Practice to drive business growth while maintaining clinical excellence
• Participate in clinical discussions and lead continuous improvement in patient outcomes

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration
• Significant experience in small or mixed animal practice
• Proven advanced surgical and medical capability
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and coaching veterinary colleagues
• Strong leadership, communication, and clinical decision-making skills
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives
• Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
• Commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care

Benefits

• Salary up to £70,000 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• Private medical insurance
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• 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
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Temporary accommodation available if needed (self-contained one-bedroom flat on-site)

About the Practice

Grange Hill Vets is part of the inspiring vet care network (IVC Evidensia), the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice operates from a purpose-built facility with excellent clinical infrastructure: 4 spacious consult rooms, a fully equipped operating theatre, imaging room with ultrasound and X-ray, brand new dental X-ray facilities, and an extensive internal laboratory providing same-day results. A separate euthanasia room offers clients privacy when saying goodbye to their pets. The team is tight-knit and collaborative, and the practice benefits from strong natural daylight, a generous free carpark, and a separate staff kitchen with outdoor seating.

Lichfield is a vibrant city with excellent dining and entertainment options, close to natural attractions including Cannock Chase and Chase Water, ideal for outdoor activities. The location provides good transport links to Birmingham (approximately 20 miles) and other major cities via road and rail.