Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Ashford, Kent, England
Primary Care - Vet Surgeon – Small Animal /
Barrow Hill Vets - Ashford [1655] /
On-site
Salary up to £80,000 plus welcome bonus of up to £5000, and up to £5,000 relocation allowance
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our supportive and well-equipped practice.
You’ll be joining a talented team of 9 Veterinary Surgeons, 11 RVNs, 1 SVN and an ANA, supported by a dedicated client care team, insurance processor and bookings clerk. Visiting specialists are available in orthopaedics, cardiology and ophthalmology, and three of our vets hold AVP certificates.
Practice Highlights
* Excellent facilities and equipment
* On-site CT scanner
* Laparoscopy, ultrasound and endoscopy facilities
* Visiting specialists in orthopaedics, cardiology and ophthalmology
* Team includes 9 Veterinary Surgeons, 11 RVNs, 1 SVN and an ANA
* Three Veterinary Surgeons hold AVP certificates
* Dedicated client care, insurance and bookings support
* No out-of-hours or on-call commitments
How You’ll Make a Difference
In this role, you will lead, mentor, and inspire our clinical team, supporting vets and nurses as they develop their skills and confidence. You will oversee complex cases, provide second opinions, and maintain the highest standards of patient care, while driving clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practice.
Strong clinical governance is essential, ensuring full compliance with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards. You will work closely with the Practice Director to support service development, implement improvements, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the practice. Additionally, you will foster a positive, engaged team culture that encourages learning, development, and collaboration, while supporting CPD and career progression to help the team reach their full potential.
Working Pattern
* 40 hours across 4 days
* One regular day off each week
* No out-of-hours or on-call commitments
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, including 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
At inspiring vet care, 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
* 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
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.
£0 - £80,000 a year
Up to £80,000 DOE
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
