Veterinary Surgeon - Lead Vet / Clinical Director Track

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced small animal vet to take genuine ownership of clinical direction and leadership. Whether you're already operating at Lead Vet level or seeking a clear pathway toward senior or clinical director responsibilities, this role offers the chance to influence practice development, expand surgical services, and mentor junior colleagues in a forward-thinking environment.

The practice is newly rebranded under fresh ownership and actively building something special. You'll work full-time, 40 hours per week plus Saturday mornings, in a purpose-built clinic that feels brand new with steadily growing caseload and ambition.

Key Responsibilities

• Take clinical ownership and shape the practice's medical direction
• Develop and lead advanced surgical services, working toward more complex procedures in-house
• Coach and mentor a new graduate vet and support GDP development
• Collaborate with the part-time owner vet (with ECC and soft tissue surgery interests) and Lead Practice Owner Nurse to set clinical standards
• Contribute to progressive practice culture and professional development initiatives
• Provide proactive, collaborative clinical leadership across the wider team

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with proven small animal experience
• Clinically confident with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive, approachable mindset with genuine interest in coaching others
• Collaborative approach to practice culture and team development
• Interest in advancing surgical capabilities and clinical standards

Benefits

• Salary: £80,000 to £85,000 depending on experience, plus possible £5,000 signing bonus
• Full-time permanent position with 40-hour week plus Saturday mornings
• Genuine pathway to Lead Vet or Clinical Director responsibilities
• Free on-site parking
• Active investment in professional development including ultrasound training, Schedule 3 surgical qualifications, and behaviour certifications
• Supportive team culture with regular social events and celebrations planned
• Located a short walk from Heanor town centre with excellent transport links to Derby, Nottingham, and the Peak District

About the Practice

Vets for Pets is a newly relaunched standalone small animal clinic in Heanor, Derbyshire. Fully equipped with dedicated operating theatre, multiparameter monitoring, digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, in-house laboratory facilities, and separate wards for dogs, cats, and isolation cases, the practice combines modern facilities with a genuinely supportive team culture.

The team includes an experienced part-time owner vet with interests in ECC, surgery, soft tissue surgery and avian medicine; a Lead Practice Owner Nurse with behaviour and fear-free practice expertise; an experienced ECC nurse; and front-of-house staff with varied GP and ECC experience. The practice is pursuing Dogs Trust Dog Friendly Clinic accreditation and Autism Friendly Practice status, reflecting commitment to inclusive, progressive care.