Lead Small Animal Surgeon — Clinical Leadership
30 days ago
Wallingford
The role will be based at the Wallingford site, with occasional shifts at other branches. Up to £70,000 (DOE). Abivale Vets, part of the inspiring vet care network, is recruiting! As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision‑making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working. • Drive the general day‑to‑day running of the branch and provide excellent client care., • Own the surgery as a sole charge position and work under those conditions., • Support clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives., • Manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations. Full‑time rotation includes an average of 40 hours per week, with some weekend shifts – working 2 Saturdays and 1 Sunday every 7 weeks. Bank holidays are on a rota basis. No out of hours or on‑call required. Part‑time applicants may also be considered. Our group comprises four surgeries in Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford, and Wantage. All sites are RCVS accredited and have an excellent range of equipment. We have a dedicated out‑of‑hours service and a fantastic team of clinicians and support staff. • Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS, significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, with advanced surgical and medical capability., • Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues., • Strong leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills., • Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives., • The ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations., • Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care., • Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles., • Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role‑relevant courses., • £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet., • Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks., • Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities., • A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement., • 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays., • Private medical insurance., • Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy., • BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees., • Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)., • Retail discounts and cashback offers., • Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets. We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analysing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. #J-18808-Ljbffr