Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

St Marys Veterinary Clinic is seeking an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon to take the helm of their established Ferndown practice. You'll be the most senior clinician on site, setting clinical standards and leading the veterinary team with confidence and vision. The role balances routine first-opinion consulting and surgery with the opportunity to develop cases in-house—from straightforward procedures through to emergency and critical care—whilst having specialist referral support when needed. This is a role built for someone who thrives on clinical leadership without the pressure of out-of-hours commitments. Your typical week runs Monday to Friday 9:00–18:30 with one arranged half-day (9:00–13:00), plus 1 in 3 Saturday mornings (8:30–12:30). The practice is fully equipped with digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, and an in-house laboratory, with a full refurbishment planned. You'll work comfortably with sole charge when needed, managing a varied small animal caseload including dogs, cats, rabbits, and occasional exotics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical standards, governance, and quality improvement initiatives across the practice
• Provide clinical mentorship and coaching to veterinary colleagues, supporting their development and confidence
• Oversee complex and challenging cases, acting as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making
• Manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
• Work closely with senior practice leadership to support strategic direction and drive continuous improvement in clinical outcomes
• Deliver outstanding patient care and client service across the caseload
• Contribute to clinical governance and audits to maintain and elevate standards

Requirements

• RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice
• Advanced surgical and medical capability with strong clinical expertise
• Proven experience mentoring and coaching veterinary colleagues
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and clinical decision-making skills
• Confidence with sole charge work
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement
• Professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to high standards of patient and client care

Benefits

• Salary & Relocation: Up to £80,000 depending on experience, plus up to £3,000 relocation allowance
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks' annual holiday including bank holidays
• Learning & Development: £1,250 annual Care Fund, funded CPD allowance, and access to IVC Evidensia academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Professional Support: Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks; support to develop specialist clinical interests
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Professional Membership: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Additional Perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies), retail discounts and cashback, reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career Development: Clear progression pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Flexible Working: Open to full-time and part-time arrangements (30+ hours minimum for part-time)

About the Practice

St Marys Veterinary Clinic is an established, single-site practice in Ferndown with a strong local reputation and thriving first-opinion caseload. The practice is fully equipped with modern facilities and is undergoing a full refurbishment, positioning it for continued growth and clinical excellence. As part of IVC Evidensia—the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals—the practice benefits from a supportive network while maintaining its independent identity and community focus. IVC Evidensia is committed to building careers without limits. The group invests in learning, innovation, and team wellbeing to create environments where veterinary professionals can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every career stage.