Job Description

Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Medivet Newton‑le‑Willows

Location: Newton‑le‑Willows, UK
Employment: Full‑time (40 hours), 4–5 days/week (part‑time considered for the right candidate)
Schedule: Condensed working week; 1 in 6 weekends at our Chorley site

Medivet Newton‑le‑Willows is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Veterinary Surgeon to take ownership of clinical standards and help shape the future of a community‑focused practice. This is a unique chance to guide a loyal team, grow a long‑standing client base, and make a meaningful impact on local animal care — with the support of Medivet’s regional leadership and wider practice network.

About the Clinic

Our practice is based in a charming converted house on the high street, complete with:

• A welcoming, loyal client community
• One consultation room and a small surgical theatre
• Core diagnostic equipment
• A close‑knit support team
• This setting presents an ideal platform for a confident veterinary surgeon to develop the clinic’s clinical direction and service offerings.

Role Overview

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will:

• Deliver excellent clinical care across consults and surgery
• Lead clinical decision‑making and drive high standards of practice
• Create tailored treatment plans with clients
• Support and develop your clinical team through coaching and mentorship
• Collaborate with nearby Medivet clinics and our 24‑hour hospital for complex cases and broader support
• This role offers scope for practice development and growth, including the potential to explore Branch Partnership for the right candidate.

Who We’re Looking For

You are:

• A qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) with minimum five years’ UK small animal experience
• Comfortable working sole‑charge and confident in general practice
• An effective communicator with a natural ability to motivate and develop a team
• Passionate about excellent patient care and client relationships
• Postgraduate certificates (PgCert) in soft tissue or orthopaedics are a plus but not essential — what matters most is your clinical drive and leadership potential.

Why Join Medivet

We believe careers should be fulfilling — not just a job title. We offer:

 Professional Growth & Wellbeing

• £1,500 CPD allowance + 3 days paid CPD leave per year
• Access to clinical networks and internal learning platforms
• Funded certificates and structured internal career pathways

Note: All veterinary surgeons practising in the UK must maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons standards. RCVS CPD requirements guidance (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons)

 Health & Life Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plan from day one
• 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support
• Life assurance at 3 × salary
• Generous annual leave, including extra “Day for You”

Employment & Professional Support

• RCVS, VDS and BVA fees covered
• Lead Vet Contribution Scheme
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship available
• Sabbatical options based on length of service

Employers sponsoring international recruits must ensure the job meets UK visa requirements, including salary, skill level and working conditions. UK visa sponsorship – job suitability and employer duties (GOV.UK)

For those seeking visas as health professionals

Working in the UK

• Veterinary surgeons from overseas must be registered with the RCVS to practise. Working in the UK as an overseas vet – RCVS guidance
• UK practice employers that sponsor overseas vets must nominate staff appropriately for the role. Nominate a veterinary surgeon role (GOV.UK)

Ideal Candidate

You are an enthusiastic MRCVS‑registered surgeon ready to:

• Lead with purpose and integrity
• Build and inspire a clinical team
• Shape the strategic direction of a thriving practice