Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Portchester Vets, Fareham, Fareham, South East Salary up to £80,000 DOE, welcome bonus of up to £5,000, and relocation allowance of up to £5,000

For more than a decade, Portchester Vets has been caring for pets and their owners, becoming a trusted and well-loved practice within the local community. Located just a short walk from the high street, we're known for our welcoming atmosphere, loyal client base and strong relationships built on trust. We are now looking for an experienced and confident Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our close-knit team and play a key role in guiding the practice forward.

Lead, Support and Inspire Your Team

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will bring experience in leading a practice and supporting a veterinary and nursing team. You will feel comfortable mentoring colleagues when needed, helping to develop clinical confidence and maintain high standards of care across the practice. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining hands on clinical work with leadership and enjoys helping a team thrive.

A Varied Caseload with Clinical Autonomy

The practice primarily sees cats and dogs, with the occasional rabbit, providing a well balanced mix of consultations and surgery. While most procedures are routine, you'll have the freedom to work cases up thoroughly with access to excellent diagnostic tools including digital and dental X ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, K laser and an in house IDEXX laboratory. Strong relationships with neighbouring practices ensure referral options when required, while some sole charge responsibilities make this a great role for a vet who enjoys autonomy and confident decision making.

Welcoming Practice Designed for Teamwork

Set within a converted house, the practice has a warm and homely feel from the moment you arrive. Facilities include a dedicated laboratory, X ray suite, office space for admin and a comfortable staff room with refreshment facilities, along with convenient on site parking. You will be supported by a capable and hands on nursing team who actively assist with patient care and contribute to the smooth running of the practice.

A Team That Works Together

You will be joining a friendly and supportive team made up of one other vet, four RVNs, two SVNs and a dedicated client care team, alongside regular locum support. Visiting specialists can also be arranged when required, ensuring patients receive excellent care while providing strong clinical backing for the team.

A Rota That Respects Work Life Balance

This is a full time position working 38 hours across four days, with one in three Saturday mornings from 9am to 12pm. There are no out of hours or on call commitments, and part time applications are also welcome for those seeking additional flexibility.

Life by the Coast in Fareham

Fareham offers a fantastic lifestyle, combining coastal living with excellent connectivity. With easy access to Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent coastline and the South Downs, the area is perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The town itself offers great shops, cafés and local amenities, along with excellent transport links to Portsmouth, Southampton and London, making it a wonderful place to build both a career and a life.

Benefits

• Work life balance
• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing

Development

• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees
• Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
• Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
• Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Portchester Vets, Fareham

147-149 White Hart Lane, Portchester, Fareham, PO16 9AY, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, and 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 Amelia Bateman from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.