Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Sussex Coast Vets is seeking an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon to oversee clinical operations across its three connected practices in the Hastings and Bexhill area. You’ll work alongside an experienced Director of Practice who’ll support your leadership journey, with flexibility to split your time between Sussex Coast Vets, Well House Vets, and 1066 Vets based on what works best for you.

Nestled in picturesque East Sussex countryside with easy access to the stunning coastline, this role combines professional reward with genuine lifestyle appeal. You’re within 45 minutes of Brighton, an hour of London, and close to Gatwick Airport—ideal for both work and leisure. The vibrant local arts scene, outdoor activities, and independent dining make this a genuinely appealing place to live and work.

This is a full-time, part-time, or flexible position with rota patterns designed around your personal commitments, not the other way around. A fully furnished one-bedroom flat is available if relocating to the area.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all clinical aspects across the three-practice group, ensuring standards align with RCVS guidance, industry regulations, and IVC Evidensia best practices
• Lead clinical governance, protocol implementation, and quality audits across the sites
• Drive quality improvement initiatives and mentor the veterinary and nursing teams
• Work with a team including a certificate holder in orthopaedics and experienced nurses
• Maintain high standards of small animal care for a well-established, high-volume caseload
• Collaborate with local charities and the RSPCA Neutering Scheme

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with proven clinical experience in small animal practice
• Leadership experience or demonstrated readiness to lead a multi-site team
• Strong understanding of RCVS regulations and clinical governance
• Commitment to mentoring and developing team members
• Professional approach to quality improvement and audit

Benefits

• Holiday & Wellbeing: 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays, plus your birthday off; private medical insurance; enhanced family-friendly leave and pay; 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance plus 40 hours paid CPD time; support for certificate and advanced learning; access to Vetlexicon online resources; world-leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres; £1,250 annual Care Fund
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees covered
• Colleague Perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (where eligible); retail discounts and cashback offers; reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Compensation: Salary up to £80,000 pro rata DOE; up to £10,000 Welcome Bonus; up to £8,000 Relocation Allowance
• Accommodation: Fully furnished one-bedroom flat available

About the Practice

Sussex Coast Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, a global veterinary group operating over 2,500 clinics and hospitals across 20 countries with around 41,000 employees. The practice serves the Hastings and Bexhill area with high client numbers and a varied caseload. State-of-the-art facilities include digital X-ray, Doppler ultrasound, endoscopy, blood analyzers, and modern diagnostic equipment supporting comprehensive small animal care.

The team comprises experienced veterinary surgeons (including specialist knowledge in orthopaedics), registered veterinary nurses, and dedicated support staff, all committed to delivering top-quality care. The group maintains strong relationships with local charities and participates in the RSPCA Neutering Scheme for cats and bull-breeds. IVC Evidensia is committed to diversity, equality, inclusion, and accessibility; they welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Employer.