Head Veterinary Surgeon – Your chance to lead your team(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Scunthorpe Vets for Pets is seeking an experienced Head Veterinary Surgeon to lead our thriving practice. This is a rare opportunity to take a leadership role that combines hands-on clinical work with strategic oversight, shaping the practice’s growth and maintaining the highest clinical standards.

You’ll have the flexibility to design your working week, with no out-of-hours duties, no Sundays, and shared Saturdays, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Whether full-time or part-time, your leadership will directly influence the team, protocols, and long-term vision of the practice.

What You’ll Do

As Head Veterinary Surgeon, you will:

• Lead and mentor a supportive, collaborative team of veterinary surgeons, nurses, and client care staff.
• Manage routine medical and surgical cases confidently and take sole charge when required.
• Influence practice strategy and clinical protocols while actively contributing to day-to-day patient care.
• Support professional development within the team, encouraging postgraduate study and CPD.
• Drive improvements in patient care, client service, and operational efficiency.
• Clinical skills: While a specialism in surgery is welcomed, it is not essential. We support individual clinical interests and development.

Meet the Team

The current practice team includes:

• 1 Veterinary Surgeon (pursuing advanced surgery certification)
• 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses
• 1 Student Veterinary Nurse
• 1 Veterinary Care Assistant
• 2 Client Care Advisors
• 1 Practice Manager

This is a close-knit team with a positive culture, collaboration, and shared dedication to learning. You will lead by example, fostering a supportive environment where everyone thrives.

Facilities & Location

Our practice is purpose-built and fully air-conditioned, located within Pets at Home on Lakeside Retail Park. Facilities are modern and designed to the highest industry standards.

• Transport links: Five-minute walk to bus stops; nearby train station for regional commuting.
• Client base: Loyal and growing, ensuring rewarding clinical practice and community engagement. Traveline UK

Life in Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe combines urban amenities with easy access to countryside and coast. Highlights include:

• Cultural venues: 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Bath Halls, Plowright Theatre
• Outdoor spaces: Normanby Hall Country Park, woodland walks, and gardens
• Nearby coastline: Cleethorpes beaches for weekend escapes
• Scunthorpe Council provides additional guidance on local amenities and community services
  Scunthorpe Local Council

Career Development & Learning

We prioritize your growth:

• Generous CPD allowance and fully funded postgraduate certificates
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS, VDS, BVA)
• Opportunities to develop leadership and clinical expertise while mentoring colleagues
• UK Government guidance on professional development in healthcare
   Skills Development in Healthcare

Rewards & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary and relocation bonus, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible working arrangements (full or part-time)
• Contributory pension scheme & private healthcare
• UK and international relocation support
• Exclusive colleague discounts up to 30% across Pets at Home, The Groom Room, and The Vet Group
• Clear career progression opportunities across a national veterinary network
• UK pension and healthcare guidance
  Pensions and Workplace Benefits

Why Join Us?

This is more than a leadership role—it’s your opportunity to shape the future of a thriving practice, backed by a well-resourced and supportive veterinary group. You will have autonomy, the ability to innovate, and the support to thrive both professionally and personally.

If you are a motivated, forward-thinking veterinary professional who wants to lead, inspire, and make a tangible difference, we would love to hear from you.
RCVS Careers

Inclusivity & Diversity

We celebrate diversity and value contributions from people of all backgrounds. Our ambition is to remove barriers and create opportunities for exceptional talent. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who may be underrepresented in the veterinary profession.

• UK Government equality guidance
  Equality and Human Rights Commission