Lead Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal

About the Role

Join New Street Vets as Lead Veterinary Surgeon and take the helm of a dynamic clinical team whilst staying actively involved in patient care. This full-time role spans 40 hours across four or five days per week, with Saturday morning clinics (9:00am to 1:00pm, one in four) but zero out-of-hours or on-call responsibilities. The practice welcomes part-time applications from 30+ hours per week.

You'll lead a busy first-opinion small animal practice serving Honiton and the surrounding Devon community for over 30 years. The caseload is varied and rewarding: dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries, the occasional chicken and local wildlife. You'll enjoy an excellent balance of consultations and hands-on surgery, with flexibility to tailor your time towards surgical work if that's your passion. The practice is undergoing an exciting refurbishment and sits in a converted house close to the high street, fostering a community-focused atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, setting standards and driving clinical excellence
• Oversee complex cases and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making within the practice
• Mentor, coach and support veterinary colleagues in their professional development
• Contribute to and lead clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives
• Manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
• Work closely with senior practice leadership on strategic direction and continuous improvement in clinical quality and patient outcomes
• Deliver hands-on veterinary care across consultations and surgery

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration
• Significant experience in small or mixed animal practice with advanced surgical and medical capability
• Proven track record mentoring and coaching 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
• Professionalism, integrity and commitment to highest standards of patient and client care

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand capabilities
• 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 covered
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

About the Practice

New Street Vets is an established, friendly small animal practice in Honiton, Devon with over 30 years' history serving the local and surrounding towns, villages and farming community. The practice prides itself on continuity of care and offers 15-minute consultations as standard to ensure thorough understanding of each pet's condition without pressure.

The facility features dedicated consulting rooms, a dental radiography suite, recently installed ultrasound machine, and comprehensive in-house laboratory. The team includes experienced Veterinary Surgeons, Registered Veterinary Nurses and a Practice Manager who foster a culture of teamwork, open communication and continuous learning. The practice is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals.