Lead Veterinary Surgeon(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Medivet Calne

Permanent position | Full- or Part-Time Considered

Medivet Calne is seeking a proactive and confident Lead Veterinary Surgeon to take clinical ownership, support team development, and champion outstanding patient care. This role combines hands-on clinical work with leadership responsibility, ensuring a high standard of medicine while fostering a supportive, collaborative practice culture.

Why Medivet Calne?

• Medivet Calne is a well-regarded small-animal practice with a loyal client base and diverse caseload. You’ll benefit from:
• A supportive regional network, including access to referral, imaging and emergency colleagues
• Modern clinical facilities (digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental suite, in-house laboratory)
• The freedom to grow clinical services and influence practice standards
• A team committed to excellent patient outcomes and positive client experiences

Your Leadership Role

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will:

Clinical Leadership

• Drive and uphold high standards in everyday practice
• Lead case management with a focus on evidence-based, compliant medicine
• Deliver consults, surgery and treatment plans to the highest professional standards

Team Development

• Mentor and line-manage Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs)
• Support student training and clinical governance activities
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement

Operational Support

• Coordinate case continuity, rotas and clinical workflow in partnership with the Head Nurse
• Contribute to audits, protocols, and quality improvement initiatives region-wide

Who We’re Looking For

Our ideal candidate:

• Holds full registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) 
• Has strong experience in small-animal practice with confidence in routine surgery and medicine
• Demonstrates leadership skills and enjoys supporting team growth
• Has or is working towards a clinical certificate (Medivet provides support)
• Communicates clearly, empathically and professionally with clients and colleagues

Working Patterns

• Typically 3–4 days per week
• Participation in a 1-in-3 Saturday morning rota
• No bank holiday duty and no on-call requirement
• Flexible working arrangements are welcomed — tell us what works for you

What We Offer You

Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plan from day one
• 24/7 counselling and mental health support services
• Life Assurance — 3× salary

Time Off & Flexibility

• 5 weeks’ annual leave, rising with service
• Additional ‘Day For You’ — a paid personal wellbeing day

Professional Development

• £1,500 CPD allowance plus 3 days’ paid CPD leave per year
• Access to internal CPD, clinical networks and 24-hour hospitals
• Funded support towards certificates and advanced qualifications

Additional Benefits

• Contribution Scheme for Lead Vets
• Paid professional fees (RCVS, VDS, BVA)
• Relocation assistance and Visa sponsorship where needed
• Sabbatical opportunities based on service

About Medivet

Medivet is one of the UK’s leading veterinary care networks with over 400 practices, including 24-hour and referral centres. We focus on delivering high-quality care for pets and supportive careers for our teams. Our mission aligns with national standards such as those set out by the UK Government’s animal health and welfare framework

Professional Standards & Compliance

This role operates in line with key UK regulatory frameworks and guidance, including:

• RCVS Practice Standards Scheme — practice accreditation and quality benchmarks
• Animal Welfare Act 2006 — legal duties for animal care
• Veterinary Medicines Regulations — safe prescribing
• Controlled Drugs guidance for vets
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) — clinical safety standards

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about clinical quality, leadership, and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you. Share your CV and a cover letter outlining your ideal working pattern and leadership experience.