Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll be the most senior veterinary clinician within Unicorn Vets, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and delivering outstanding patient and client care across the Bassett and Fair Oak branches. This full-time role offers 40 hours per week worked across four or five days with a mix of early and late shifts. The position includes a 1:6 Saturday morning rota (8:30am to 12:30pm) with no out-of-hours or on-call requirements, making it ideal for vets seeking work-life balance without the pressure of overnight cover. Part-time applications are also welcomed.

You'll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you'll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working. The wider Orchard Vets group includes Romsey and Ashurst teams, offering collaborative opportunities across a well-established practice network.

Unicorn Vets is well-equipped with in-house facilities including dental radiography, laparoscopy, endoscopy, K-Laser, Vetscan Imagyst, and cryotherapy. You'll also have access to a local IVC referral centre for more complex cases. Your team includes experienced Veterinary Surgeons, RVNs, Student Veterinary Nurses, Animal Care Assistants, and reception/administrative colleagues across all sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards and governance across Bassett and Fair Oak branches
• Provide clinical leadership and mentoring to the veterinary team
• Oversee complex cases and act as primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making
• Support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality and outcomes
• Manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
• Contribute to and lead clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with the wider Orchard Vets group including Romsey and Ashurst teams

Requirements

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

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £88,500 depending on experience
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for continuing professional development
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Unicorn Vets has been serving Southampton for over 20 years and is now part of the Orchard Vets family. The practice group is well-established with a reputation for excellence and a commitment to providing high-quality care to the community and their pets. Originally based in Romsey, Orchard Vets has grown successfully with branches in Ashurst, and recently welcomed practices in Bassett and Fair Oak to the group.

The practice prides itself on maintaining a supportive and collaborative culture where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and help shape the future. The team is friendly, highly experienced, with an excellent support team of nurses and receptionists, all of whom are dedicated to providing high-quality service. CPD and continuous learning are extremely important, and the practice actively encourages further development and leadership progression within the team.