Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our team in Telford — someone who cares deeply about both animals and the people who love them. In this leadership position, you will inspire and guide a team of veterinary professionals, ensuring excellent clinical care and fostering a supportive, collaborative work environment. You will also play an active role in shaping how our hospital operates day-to-day and contributes to the wider mission of Animal Trust.

Your Core Responsibilities

As our Lead Veterinary Surgeon, your duties will include:

Clinical Leadership & Team Development

• Champion and uphold high clinical standards across the team through coaching, mentoring, and structured feedback.
• Support and guide less experienced vets, including participation in the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) and acting as an advisor where appropriate.
• Lead regular staff meetings, clinical governance sessions, and contribute to continuous professional development initiatives.

Operational Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Practice Manager and Head Nurse to oversee the smooth running of the clinic’s operations.
• Monitor, evaluate, and act upon key performance indicators (KPIs) and profit/loss performance to support sustained clinical excellence and business health.
• Maintain compliance with professional standards and regulatory expectations, including requirements set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the statutory regulator for vets in the UK.

Outstanding Patient & Client Care

• Deliver high-quality veterinary care across a varied caseload, including diagnostics, surgery, and preventative treatments.
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with pet owners, helping them understand conditions, treatment options, and preventive healthcare.

Team Culture & Values

• Model and embed the Animal Trust Values in all interactions, cultivating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for staff and clients alike.
• Actively promote a positive, supportive culture that balances clinical excellence with compassionate care.

Who We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

• Clinical Expertise: A strong clinical foundation with a genuine passion for coaching and professional development.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal abilities with staff and clients alike.
• Leadership Experience: Confidence in leading teams, managing performance conversations, and facilitating meetings.
• VetGDP Qualification or Willingness to Pursue: Either already holding the qualification or a commitment to obtain it.
• Business Awareness: An interest in using performance data and financial insight to guide improvement (experience preferred but not essential).
• Work Schedule
• 40 hours per week
• 4-day work week
• Weekend rota: Approximately 2 in 9 (weekends worked at our Shrewsbury Hospital site; not sole charge)

What We Offer

We care for our team just as we care for our patients. Benefits include:

• Generous leave: 6 weeks’ annual holiday
• Health & wellbeing: 52 weeks’ sickness benefit, private healthcare, and free employee support program
• Professional support: RCVS and VDS fees paid

Visa sponsorship available

• Cycle-to-work & e-car schemes
• Store discounts via Vivup & staff discounts
• Contributory pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/paternity support
• Counseling & wellbeing support after 12 months
• Funding for continued professional development (CPD)

About Animal Trust

Animal Trust is a Community Interest Company dedicated to offering affordable veterinary care to all. We reinvest the majority of our profits back into our team and our patients’ wellbeing — helping to make compassionate animal care more accessible across our communities.