Lead Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a genuine opportunity to step into clinical leadership at an exciting moment. Kings Veterinary Centre is opening a new, purpose-built hospital in April 2026 with cutting-edge facilities including CT imaging, and you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping its success from day one. As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work a four-day week (8am–6pm or 8.30am–6.30pm) with protected administration time, a 1:5 weekend rota shared equally across the team, and no on-call commitments. This is small animal practice at its best—varied caseload, modern equipment, and a collaborative culture built on mentorship and continuous learning.

You’ll partner with the Clinical Director to maintain clinical excellence, support team growth, and drive the ongoing success of a thriving practice. This isn’t just management for its own sake—it’s about building, leading, and influencing the future of progressive veterinary medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day clinical caseload and business operations, ensuring exceptional patient care rooted in best-practice veterinary medicine
• Lead and mentor colleagues, including graduate vets, fostering a positive, supportive culture
• Support the transition from the current Melton Mowbray practice into the new hospital
• Contribute to strategic growth as part of the senior leadership team
• Lead clinical governance and ensure compliance with practice protocols
• Collaborate with the Practice Manager on rota planning, team wellbeing, and operational movements
• Represent Linnaeus values and commitment to clinical excellence within the wider network
• Make informed clinical decisions, interpret diagnostics, and support colleagues’ clinical development

Requirements

• Previous leadership experience (essential)
• Postgraduate certificate as a minimum requirement—ideally in medicine, surgery, or imaging bias
• Confident clinical decision-maker with ability to interpret diagnostics and lead a team
• Strong team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and remains calm under pressure
• Empathetic leader with genuine commitment to mentoring and building team culture
• Collaborative attitude that maintains positive team relationships and excellent client care
• Ability to promote high standards of clinical care and client services

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £75,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• 4-day working week with protected administration time
• 1:5 weekend rota, equally shared—no on-call
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Generous staff discount scheme
• Life assurance
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Extensive internal and funded external CPD support
• Leadership development opportunities
• Relocation support
• Access to a network of specialists and worldwide development opportunities

About the Practice

Kings Veterinary Centre in Melton Mowbray is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. The practice is preparing for an exciting move into a brand-new, purpose-built hospital opening in April 2026, featuring modern facilities, cutting-edge equipment including CT imaging, and an experienced, stable clinical team already in place. As a privately owned business, Linnaeus is driven by purpose rather than short-term profits, with over 6,000 associates empowered to deliver quality services.

The team values mentorship, communication, and continuous learning. You’ll benefit from the support of a highly skilled nursing team and robust administrative structure (HR, finance, H&S), allowing you to focus on what you do best—veterinary leadership and clinical care. Linnaeus is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse culture where associates can be authentic and perform at their best.