Veterinary Surgeon (Team Lead)UK Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

Clinical Leadership With Time, Trust, and a Clear Future

This role is for a veterinary surgeon who wants to lead with purpose, not just absorb pressure.

If you enjoy mentoring others, raising clinical standards, and shaping how teams develop—but feel your current role doesn’t give you the space to do that well—this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

It offers a genuine step into leadership without walking away from hands-on clinical work, and a structured pathway toward a future Lead Vet position.

The Practice & Opportunity

You’ll be joining a well-established small animal practice in Bolton that has made a deliberate decision to invest in people, learning, and long-term sustainability—not just rota coverage.

The practice is now appointing a Development Team Leader, a respected and hands-on leadership role focused on:

• Supporting new graduate and early-career vets
• Maintaining high clinical standards
• Creating a calm, structured learning environment

You’ll work in close partnership with the Lead Vet, Practice Manager, and Clinical Operations Lead, contributing meaningfully to how the practice runs and develops.

This is not a token title or a paper-based role. Your input will carry real weight.

What Makes This Role Different

A Leadership Role Built Around Development

You will take ownership of the clinical development of new graduates and vets with under three years’ experience, with protected responsibility for mentoring, feedback, and progression planning.

This includes acting as a VetGDP Advisor, supporting graduates through the programme in line with RCVS standards

Influence Over Clinical Quality

You’ll help uphold and improve clinical standards through:

• Case reviews and reflective discussions
• Clinical audits
• Coaching and one-to-one support

Supported Leadership, Not Isolation

You won’t be expected to “figure it out alone”. You’ll be part of the site leadership team, attend leadership meetings, and deputise for the Lead Vet when appropriate, with ongoing mentoring and leadership development support.

A Defined Pathway to Lead Vet

This role is intentionally designed as a progression step. For the right individual, it provides:

Leadership mentoring

• Exposure to operational and strategic decision-making
• Clear preparation for a future Lead Vet role

Your First Six Months

Month 1

• Build relationships across the team
• Understand practice workflows and culture
• Align with the Lead Vet on development priorities

By Month 3

• Actively mentor graduates and junior vets
• Support audits and training sessions
• Shape individual development plans

By Month 6

• Be recognised as a trusted clinical leader
• Influence standards across the practice
• Progress your own leadership development with a clear view toward Lead Vet

Salary, Leave & Visa Support

• Salary up to £65,600
• 6 weeks’ holiday, including bank holidays
• Visa sponsorship available, subject to eligibility
• Working arrangements align with UK Working Time Regulations

Professional Development

• CPD and certificate funding available
• Full support to act as a VetGDP Advisor
• Structured leadership development pathway
• Veterinary registration and professional requirements

Wellbeing, Security & Benefits

• RCVS and VDS fees fully paid
• Private healthcare (after qualifying period)
• 52 weeks sickness benefit
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
• Contributory pension scheme
• Everyday Extras
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric car scheme
• Vivup discounts
• Refer-a-friend bonus
• The Candor Vets Approach

Candor Vets focuses on long-term career alignment, not quick placements. We listen carefully, advise honestly, and only introduce roles that genuinely fit where you want your career to go.

Ready to Explore?

If this sounds like a leadership role where you could truly make a difference—to patients, colleagues, and your own future—let’s have a confidential, no-pressure conversation.

Job Reference: VSTL001