Head Veterinary Surgeon – Your chance to lead your team(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Practice

Scunthorpe Vets for Pets is a modern, purpose-built small animal practice located within a busy retail setting. The clinic benefits from strong client footfall, a loyal customer base, and a well-established local reputation.

The practice is fully equipped with high-quality diagnostic and surgical facilities designed to support excellent standards of veterinary care.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready to take the next step into practice leadership.

As Head Veterinary Surgeon, you will combine hands-on clinical work with leadership responsibilities, helping to shape the future direction of the practice while maintaining high standards of patient care.

You will have autonomy in decision-making, supported by a wider national veterinary network, allowing you to lead with independence while benefiting from strong organisational backing.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

  • Deliver high-quality clinical care across routine medical and surgical cases
    Support complex case management and clinical decision-making
    Maintain and improve clinical standards across the practice

Team Leadership

  • Lead, mentor, and support the veterinary and nursing team
    Foster a positive, collaborative, and learning-focused environment
    Provide guidance for professional development and performance

Practice Development

  • Contribute to strategic planning and service development
    Help shape protocols, workflows, and clinical governance
    Drive continuous improvement within the practice

Clinical Autonomy

  • Manage cases independently, including sole charge when required
    Support efficient and safe clinical operations
    Encourage evidence-based veterinary practice

About the Team

You will join a close-knit and supportive team consisting of:

  • 1 Veterinary Surgeon (advanced surgical training in progress)
    3 Registered Veterinary Nurses
    1 Student Veterinary Nurse
    1 Veterinary Care Assistant
    2 Client Care Advisors
    1 Practice Manager

The team is collaborative, friendly, and committed to delivering excellent care for both patients and clients.

Living and Working in Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe offers a balance of urban convenience and access to nature. The area features cultural venues, green spaces, and easy access to the Lincolnshire countryside and nearby coastal areas such as Cleethorpes.

Key highlights include:

  • Normanby Hall Country Park for outdoor recreation
    Local theatres, music venues, and cultural centres
    Good transport links including rail and bus connections

Career Development

The role offers strong professional development opportunities, including:

Rewards & Benefits

  • Salary up to £85,000 (DOE)
    £5,000 welcome or relocation bonus
    Flexible working patterns (no out-of-hours or overnight duty)
    Funded CPD and certificate support
    Paid professional memberships (RCVS, VDS, BVA)
    Pension scheme and private healthcare options

UK visa sponsorship available

  • Relocation support (UK and international)
    Staff discount schemes across affiliated services
    Structured career progression opportunities

Work–Life Balance

The role is designed to support a healthy balance, with no out-of-hours, no overnight duties, and no Sunday working. Saturdays are shared fairly within the team.

Employment rights and working time guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights
https://www.gov.uk/employment-contracts-and-conditions

Inclusion & Equality

The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is respected and valued.

Equal opportunities guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/equality-act-2010-guidance
https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights

Why Join This Role?

This position offers the rare combination of clinical autonomy, leadership responsibility, and strong organisational support. You will have the freedom to shape your practice while being backed by a national network that invests in your development and wellbeing.