Head Veterinary Surgeon (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

A Leadership Role Where Your Voice Truly Matters

Scunthorpe Vets for Pets is offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready to step into a Head Vet leadership role. This position is ideal for someone who wants autonomy, balance, and the chance to genuinely shape how a practice grows — clinically, culturally, and strategically.

Here, your experience will be trusted, your ideas welcomed, and your development actively supported. You’ll lead with confidence while enjoying a role that respects both your professional ambition and your life outside work.

About the Role

This is a flexible leadership position, open to both full-time and part-time working patterns. Weekend cover is shared fairly across the team, with no on-call duties, no out-of-hours work, and no Sunday shifts, allowing for a sustainable and healthy work–life balance.

As Head Veterinary Surgeon, you will:

• Lead clinical standards and guide best practice
• Remain hands-on clinically while shaping the future direction of the practice
• Mentor and support colleagues, encouraging growth and confidence
• Influence decision-making across operations, workflows, and patient care

You’ll be comfortable handling routine medical and surgical cases, confident working in sole charge when required, and motivated to drive positive change. A passion for surgery is welcomed but not essential — your individual interests will be supported and encouraged.

The Team You’ll Lead

You’ll be joining a warm, experienced, and collaborative team who genuinely enjoy working together and supporting one another. The current practice team includes:

• 1 Veterinary Surgeon (working towards an advanced surgery certificate)
• 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, strong communication, and a shared commitment to excellent patient and client care. We’re looking for a Head Vet who leads with empathy, clarity, and inspiration.

Facilities & Practice Environment

The practice is purpose-built, fully air-conditioned, and equipped to high clinical standards. Located within Pets at Home on Lakeside Retail Park, it benefits from excellent visibility, strong footfall, and a loyal client base.

Commuting is easy, with:

• Bus links just a 5-minute walk away
• A nearby train station for regional access
• Life in Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe offers an appealing balance of affordability, green space, and culture. With a rich industrial heritage, the town now boasts attractions such as the 20–21 Visual Arts Centre, Bath Halls, and the Plowright Theatre, hosting live music, comedy, and touring productions.

For outdoor lovers, Normanby Hall Country Park provides gardens, woodland walks, and open countryside, while the seaside town of Cleethorpes is just a short drive away. It’s an excellent location for enjoying coast, countryside, and community — without big-city pressure.

Career Development & Progression

Your growth as a leader and clinician is a priority. You’ll receive:

• A generous CPD allowance
• Full funding for certificates and postgraduate study
• Opportunities to develop leadership capability
• The chance to shape clinical protocols and mentor future leaders
• As part of a national veterinary group, you’ll also have access to wider career pathways and long-term progression.

Salary & Benefits Package

In addition to a competitive salary of up to £85,000 DOE and a £5,000 welcome or relocation bonus, you’ll receive:

• Flexible working options (full-time or part-time)
• Fully funded CPD and certificate support
• Paid professional fees (RCVS, VDS, BVA)
• Contributory pension scheme and private healthcare
• UK and international relocation support
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship (A-rated sponsor)
• Colleague discounts of up to 30% across Pets at Home Group brands
• Clear leadership and career progression across a national network

Why Join Scunthorpe Vets for Pets?

This is a role that gives you the freedom to lead like it’s your own practice, combined with the stability, investment, and backing of a trusted veterinary group. You’ll shape your role, influence the future of the practice, and enjoy a career that values balance as much as ambition.

If you’re ready to step into a leadership position where your expertise is respected and your impact is visible, we would love to hear from you.