Lead Veterinary Surgeon(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Opportunity

Animal Trust is looking for an experienced and people-focused Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our busy 24-hour Shrewsbury Hospital. This role is ideal for a vet who enjoys combining clinical excellence with leadership, mentoring and collaboration.

As Lead Vet, you will guide and support a team of veterinary surgeons, ensuring consistently high standards of care through coaching, clinical oversight and professional development. Alongside this, you’ll help foster a supportive, inclusive workplace that reflects the core values of Animal Trust.

Your Role in the Hospital

Working closely with the Practice Manager and Lead Nurse, you’ll play a central role in the hospital’s day-to-day operations and long-term success. Your responsibilities will include contributing to operational performance, reviewing key metrics, and supporting sustainable service delivery.

Shrewsbury Hospital is a well-equipped, 24/7 facility with:

• Separate dog and cat wards to support feline-friendly care
• Two operating theatres, including one for advanced procedures
• A dedicated dental suite
• Five consulting rooms supporting a varied caseload
• A strong clinical team, including certificate holders in surgery
• You’ll work with both inpatients and emergency cases, within a collaborative environment that values quality care and teamwork.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and support the veterinary team through mentoring and coaching
• Maintain and develop high clinical and governance standards
• Chair and contribute to clinical governance and team meetings
• Support operational performance through engagement with KPIs and P&L
• Conduct 1-to-1 meetings and support performance management
• Deliver excellent patient care and client communication

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Strong clinical capability with a passion for developing others
• Confident and compassionate leadership skills
• Excellent communication with clients and colleagues
• Experience leading meetings and supporting clinical governance
• VetGDP qualification (or willingness to complete)
• An interest in business performance and service improvement (desirable, not essential)

Rota

• 40 hours across a 4-day working week
• 2 weekends in every 9

Benefits & Rewards

• Time Off
• 6 weeks’ annual leave

Health & Wellbeing

• 52 weeks’ sickness benefit
• Private healthcare

Free Employee Assistance Programme

• Professional Support
• RCVS and VDS fees fully covered
• Funded CPD
• Visa sponsorship available

Lifestyle & Financial

• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric Car (E-Car) scheme
• Staff and store discounts via Vivup
• Contributory pension scheme

Family & Additional Support

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to counselling services (mental health, financial and life support after 12 months)

About Animal Trust

Animal Trust is a Community Interest Company (CIC) and not-for-profit veterinary organisation. Our purpose is simple: to make veterinary treatment accessible and affordable for all pets.

We reinvest the majority of our surplus back into our people, facilities and patient care. Through free consultations and transparent pricing, we help remove financial barriers so pets can receive the treatment they need — without compromise.

Equality & Inclusion

Animal Trust is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive.

Professional, Employment & Visa Information (UK Government Sources)

Skilled Worker visa – eligibility and overview
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds and occupation codes

Right to work in the UK – official guidance
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

UK statutory employment rights and holiday entitlement
https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re looking for a leadership role where you can genuinely influence clinical standards, support a talented team, and help make veterinary care more accessible — we’d love to hear from you.