Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

Join The Oak Veterinary Group as Lead Veterinary Surgeon, working alongside the Practice Director to lead the clinical team at a well-established small animal practice in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. You'll balance a strong clinical caseload (around 75%) with strategic leadership and team mentoring in a modern, fully equipped facility.

Based in one of Wales' most scenic locations, surrounded by the Pembrokeshire coastline and countryside, you'll work full-time (37.5 hours per week) on a daytime schedule. Saturday mornings are included on a rotational basis, but there is no overnight on-call requirement. This is a genuine leadership opportunity in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the clinical team in partnership with the Practice Director, helping shape practice direction and culture
• Deliver high standards of clinical care across a varied caseload including consultations and surgery
• Mentor and develop less experienced veterinary surgeons, supporting case discussions and clinical learning
• Contribute to business performance, operational success, and overall practice growth
• Work collaboratively with a team including a Senior Vet, six Veterinary Surgeons, Head RVN, Student Nurses, Animal Care Assistants, and specialist staff
• Support the use of advanced facilities including surgical services, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, dentistry, laboratory, ultrasound, radiography, and endoscopy

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, openness to feedback, and commitment to professional development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £78,000 FTE, depending on experience
• Welcome bonus up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• 6.6 weeks annual holiday including bank holidays and birthday leave allowance
• £1,250 annual Care Fund Allowance for CPD and professional development
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Funded learning and development including access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses

About the Practice

The Oak Veterinary Group is a multi-site practice serving Pembrokeshire with locations in Haverfordwest (small animal hub), Manorowen (Fishguard), St Davids, and Clarbeston Road (farm animal services). The Haverfordwest surgery is a modern facility providing surgery, radiography, ultrasound, and the full range of small animal services. 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.

The team includes an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery enabling complex orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures in-house, and several vets trained in acupuncture. The practice offers excellent facilities including aquatic treadmill for hydrotherapy, physiotherapy equipment, laser therapy, massage therapy services, and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.