Lead Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a rare chance to step into practice ownership as a Lead Veterinary Surgeon without shouldering the burden alone. You'll take clinical leadership of a well-established small animal practice in West Sussex, directing a team of 3-4 vets while building equity and securing long-term financial reward. The practice is modern and well-equipped with on-site CT, dedicated diagnostic facilities, and a night team already in place, giving you a strong foundation to grow from. This full-time permanent role offers the independence of ownership paired with comprehensive operational, financial, and clinical support from an experienced partnership network.

You'll be the clinical lead, setting standards for patient care, mentoring colleagues, and driving the practice forward. The partnership model means you can leverage complementary skills across multiple partners rather than managing everything solo. It's ideal for an ambitious GP vet with leadership experience who's been considering ownership but wanted the confidence of expert backing and a structured pathway.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the veterinary team of 3-4 vets, maintaining clinical excellence and outstanding patient care
• Set clinical standards and drive continuous improvement in patient outcomes
• Mentor and support colleagues in their professional development
• Contribute to strategic decision-making and practice growth within the partnership structure
• Engage with clients to build relationships and support the practice's commercial success
• Participate in the partnership's wider network to share learning and best practice

Requirements

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Previous experience leading or mentoring a veterinary team (highly desirable)
• Strong clinical skills and genuine passion for delivering exceptional patient and client care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ambition to develop both a thriving practice and a high-performing team
• Business acumen or willingness to develop it with support

Benefits

• Monthly profit share alongside guaranteed drawings starting at £75,000 per year in early stages
• Projected drawings rising to approximately £110,000 by Year 2 and £178,000 by Year 10
• Build equity with practice valuations projected to exceed £1.2 million over time
• Clear, structured exit payment strategy when you leave the partnership
• Flexible finance options including deferred payment schemes and competitive lending support
• Dedicated finance, HR, marketing, procurement and facilities teams handling administration
• Regional operations support and access to an experienced network of veterinary professionals
• Ongoing business coaching and partnership guidance

About the Practice

This is a well-established small animal practice in West Sussex with strong foundations and growth potential. The clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities including on-site CT, and operates with a dedicated night team to handle emergency cases. The partnership model provides mutual support and shared expertise across multiple veterinary surgeons, allowing each partner to focus on clinical leadership rather than handling every administrative task.

By joining as a partner, you become part of a wider network that offers genuine backing and removes the isolation that often comes with practice ownership. The partnership has invested in infrastructure and support systems so you can focus on clinical excellence and team development.