Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal Salary up to £70,000 DOE Relocation Allowance up to £2,000

At Ivybank Vets, we are looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to step into a Clinical Lead role within our friendly and well-established practice along the beautiful west coast of Ayrshire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the variety of first opinion practice while also taking an active role in clinical leadership, supporting colleagues and helping to drive high standards of patient care across the team.

As Clinical Lead, you will work closely with the Director of Practice and Clinical Services, Practice Manager, and Head Nurse, playing a key role in supporting clinical decision making, promoting best practice, and contributing to the ongoing development of the team. You will also have the opportunity to deputise for the Director of Practice and Clinical Services when required.

This role would suit a confident clinician who enjoys mentoring others, leading by example, and remaining actively involved in a varied small animal caseload, with scope to further develop leadership or management skills over time.

Practice Highlights:

• Established four branch small animal practice (Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, West Kilbride)
• Experienced clinical team of 11 Veterinary Surgeons
• Supported by 7 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 1 Student Nurse, ACAs, and dedicated reception/support team
• Strong collaborative culture with shared learning and case discussion embedded in daily practice
• Modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including digital radiography, ultrasound, dental suite, and in house laboratory
• Varied first opinion caseload with opportunities for clinical development and leadership influence
• Supportive environment with multiple clinicians holding specific clinical interests

About IVC Evidensia

IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.

At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment-at every stage of their career.

How You'll Make a Difference

As Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll play a key role in both clinical care and supporting the wider team.

• Deliver high quality small animal veterinary care within a first opinion caseload
• Support and mentor colleagues, promoting clinical excellence and best practice
• Contribute to clinical leadership and decision making across the practice
• Work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to support service development
• Help implement and promote quality improvement initiatives within the practiceParticipate in a 1 in 4 weekend rota (4 hour shift)
• No out of hours commitment (externally covered)

Working Pattern:

• Full time: 39 hours per week
• Typically 4 days per week (8:30am-7:00pm, Monday-Friday)
• 1 in 4 weekends (short shift cover only)
• Flexible working discussions welcomed

Life on the Ayrshire Coast

Ivybank Vets is located along the stunning Ayrshire coastline, offering an excellent balance between professional life and lifestyle. With beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and countryside on your doorstep, it's an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor living. Glasgow is also within easy commuting distance, offering access to city life when desired.

You Might Be a Great Fit If

You are a confident and motivated small animal veterinary surgeon who enjoys clinical variety and supporting others. You'll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
• Experience in small animal first opinion practice
• Confidence in clinical decision making and routine surgery/medicine
• Strong communication and leadership potential
• A collaborative, supportive, and proactive approach to team working

How We'll Support You

At IVC Evidensia, we're committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• 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

What We Offer Our Team

• 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

Ivybank Vets, Irvine

2 Low Green Road, Irvine, KA12 8RA, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Taylor Findlay from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.