Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal St Marys Veterinary Clinic Ferndown, Dorset Salary up to £65,000 DOE and up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus and up to £5,000 Relocation Allowance

We are looking for a confident vet who is comfortable with sole charge and enjoys working with a varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, and the occasional exotic patient.

The role offers a great balance of consultations and surgery, with the opportunity to work cases up thoroughly in-house, from routine procedures through to more complex medical and emergency cases. You'll have the clinical freedom to manage your own cases while also benefiting from referral support when needed.

The practice is well-equipped with modern facilities including digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, and a fully equipped in-house laboratory. Excitingly, the practice is also due to undergo a full refurbishment, making this a great time to join and be part of its next chapter.

How You'll Make a Difference

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.

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday 9:00 - 18:30 (one half day during the week 9:00 - 13:00 to be arranged)
• 1 in 3 Saturday mornings 8:30 - 12:30
• No OOH or on call
• Open to part time candidates

You Might Be a Great Fit If

You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You'll bring:

• A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS with 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 a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care

How We'll Support You

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

6.6 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.

St Marys Veterinary Clinic, Ferndown

300 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AS, United Kingdom

We are committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and are keen to hear from candidates of all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome candidates with disabilities and long term health conditions and would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments needed during recruitment.

Any questions before applying?

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