Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Vine Tree Vets is seeking an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon to shape the future of their small animal practice in Ross-on-Wye. This is a leadership opportunity with real clinical substance – you’ll split your time between hands-on veterinary work (75%) and mentoring, strategic input, and team development (25%). The best part? No weekends and no out-of-hours commitments, giving you genuine work-life balance while you build something meaningful.

The role offers flexibility to work either 4 or 5 days per week, and you’ll be actively involved in recruitment and practice growth during an exciting expansion phase. You’ll collaborate with other IVC practices in the region, sharing knowledge and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement clinical protocols to deliver gold-standard care across the practice
• Mentor and support the entire veterinary team through guidance and hands-on leadership
• Deliver training sessions to build clinical skills and confidence across the team
• Champion a culture of collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement
• Play an active role in recruitment – help build a strong, supportive team that reflects the practice values
• Contribute to practice strategy and shape the future direction during this growth phase
• Maintain clinical excellence across a range of cases, supported by modern facilities and equipment

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with strong, proven clinical skills
• Natural leader who enjoys developing and supporting others
• Committed to fostering a collaborative, learning-focused culture
• Enthusiastic about shaping the future of a growing practice
• Experience in small animal practice

Benefits

• Salary & Bonuses: Up to £80,000 per annum DOE, welcome bonus up to £5,000, relocation allowance up to £8,000
• Work-Life Balance: 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays, plus your birthday off; flexible 4 or 5-day working week; no weekends or out-of-hours
• Development: £1,250 CPD allowance plus 40 hours paid CPD; Certificate and advanced learning support; access to Vetlexicon online resources; support for leadership training; access to world-leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres; £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; enhanced family-friendly leave and pay; 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees all covered
• Colleague Benefits: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies); retail discounts and cashback offers; reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

About the Practice

Vine Tree Vets is a truly mixed practice serving Ross-on-Wye with a personal, friendly, and caring approach to animal health. The team covers all aspects of both small and large animal care, including birds, exotics, and wildlife. Emergency cover is provided by their own vets and nurses throughout the year, and the practice is fully equipped to handle all types of emergencies.

The practice boasts modern, high-quality equipment including digital X-ray, dental X-ray, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, ultrasound, and a fully equipped in-house laboratory. They also benefit from monthly peripatetic services in ophthalmology and cardiology. As part of IVC Evidensia, Vine Tree Vets is backed by a supportive corporate network while maintaining its independent practice identity. Located in the charming Wye Valley market town of Ross-on-Wye, surrounded by stunning countryside perfect for walking, kayaking, cycling, and outdoor adventure.