Group Lead Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced veterinary surgeon who wants to remain clinically active while shaping the future of a progressive multi-branch group. You’ll spend approximately 80% of your time on hands-on small animal clinical work, while providing operational and clinical leadership across Vet4Life’s three locations: Surbiton (the busy hub), Teddington (a growing site), and Shepperton (a quieter village setting). The role comes with a manageable schedule: 38.3 hours per week across a 4-day week, plus 1 in 4 Saturdays (9am–5pm) and 1 in 12 Sundays (10am–4pm)—with zero on-call or out-of-hours duties.

You’ll be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, working alongside the Practice Director, Clinical Nursing Manager, and Client Care Manager to set clinical standards, mentor veterinary teams, influence practice strategy, and shape a positive culture. Whether you’re in suburban London (Surbiton, just 15–20 minutes by train to central London), the polished riverside charm of Teddington, or the quieter village feel of Shepperton near the Thames, you’ll find a location that matches your lifestyle preferences while staying close to excellent clinical work.

The teams you’ll lead are genuinely talented and diverse: 11 veterinary surgeons, 11 RVNs, 6 student nurses/PCAs, and 10 client care assistants spread across the three sites. Your colleagues bring expertise in surgery, medicine, emergency & critical care, dermatology, cardiology, exotics, and wellbeing—creating a truly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Surbiton offers a fast-paced caseload with three consult rooms and strong surgery facilities. All sites are equipped with modern technology: endoscopy, laparoscopic kit, ultrasound, digital radiography, Class 4 laser, and in-house laboratory.