Senior Veterinary Surgeon – ECC

About the Role

This is a leadership opportunity to head up clinical operations at Vets Now’s Kilmarnock emergency clinic, a close-knit team with exceptional stability and a reputation for retaining staff long-term. You’ll lead by example—driving clinical excellence, mentoring veterinary colleagues, and fostering the collaborative culture that’s already built into this practice. With a 1:2 weekend rota (mix of nights and day shifts) and weekday night coverage, this full-time role averages 40 hours per week and offers genuine flexibility to discuss part-time arrangements if needed.

Kilmarnock is ideally situated behind the train station with excellent public transport links, making it accessible from across the region. The team includes dedicated colleagues who bring charity practice experience, a longstanding nursing cohort, and strong clinical continuity. You’ll work alongside registered vet nurses, animal care assistants, and receptionists on shift, with the support of Vets Now’s wider UK network available 24/7 for clinical discussion and case advice.

This role sits within Vets Now Emergency Limited, part of the Vets Now Group, a leading UK out-of-hours and emergency care provider.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and uphold clinical standards across the Kilmarnock clinic, leading by example in emergency situations
• Support the professional growth, training, and wellbeing of your veterinary team members
• Identify clinical development opportunities and shape career progression pathways
• Champion service improvements and clinical innovation within the practice
• Work clinically as part of the rota: weekday nights, 1:2 weekend coverage (Saturday day and Sunday day shifts), no more than three consecutive nights
• Protect dedicated time for leadership duties, team meetings, and strategic priorities

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Proven experience in emergency and critical care practice
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate clinical teams
• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making in high-pressure environments
• Commitment to clinical excellence and continuous professional development
• Experience in out-of-hours or 24-hour emergency practice is highly valued

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £85,000 depending on experience
• Annual Leave: 7 weeks pro rata
• Professional Development: £1,875 CPD allowance + 35 paid CPD hours (pro rata); access to AdvantEdge clinical training platform
• Professional Fees & Memberships: RCVS fees, VECCS membership, and VDS cover included
• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Leadership Development: Dedicated Leadership Development Programme
• Pension: Standard contributions (5% employee / 3% employer)
• Pet Care Discount: Up to 50% discounted care for your own pets

About the Practice

Vets Now Kilmarnock is an established emergency and critical care clinic serving the local community and surrounding areas. The practice is known for its stable, experienced team and longstanding staff retention—recruitment opportunities here are rare, reflecting a genuinely supportive working culture. The clinic is part of Vets Now Emergency Limited, a leading UK provider of out-of-hours and emergency veterinary services with a national network of clinics and referral centres.

The team works with modern facilities and benefits from the operational support of Vets Now’s head office in Dunfermline, where call handlers and customer care advisors work behind the scenes. The clinic provides 24/7 emergency care to pets across Kilmarnock and beyond, with access to specialist advice and referral options across the Vets Now network whenever needed.