Senior/Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Salary up to £80,000 DOE | Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 | Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
Sheriff’s Highway Vets is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to take the next step into a Senior or Lead role within our progressive and well-established multi-site practice in Tyne and Wear.
This is an excellent opportunity for a confident clinician who enjoys a varied first opinion caseload alongside a leadership-focused role supporting colleagues, maintaining clinical standards, and contributing to the ongoing development of the practice.
You will play a key role in shaping clinical direction, supporting less experienced vets, and working closely with the wider leadership team, while continuing to enjoy hands-on clinical work across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics.
Practice Highlights:
*Established four-site small animal practice (Gateshead, Sunderland, Ryton, Whickham)
*Large clinical team of 14 Veterinary Surgeons supported by experienced nursing and support staff
*Strong collaborative culture with focus on mentoring and knowledge sharing
*Modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including Doppler ultrasound, ECG, digital radiography, dental x-ray, endoscopy, laparoscopy, orthopaedic surgery suite, and in-house laboratory
*Wide and varied first opinion caseload across multiple branches
*Strong support for certificate development and clinical interests across the team
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 a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, you will play a key role in both clinical delivery and supporting the wider team.
*Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics
*Support, mentor, and guide less experienced veterinary surgeons
*Contribute to clinical leadership and help maintain high clinical standards across the practice
*Work closely with the leadership team to support clinical direction and development
*Participate in a 1 in 3 Saturday rota across main and branch sites
*Work across multiple branches, including Gateshead, Sunderland, Ryton, and Whickham
Working Pattern:
*Full-time: approx. 40 hours per week
*Typically 38 hours across four weekdays with a set day off
*1 in 3 Saturday rota (alternating full-day and branch morning shifts)
*Flexible working discussions welcomed
Life in Tyne and Wear
Based in Gateshead, the practice is ideally located to enjoy everything the North East has to offer. From Newcastle’s vibrant city life and cultural scene to the stunning Northumberland coastline and nearby countryside, the area offers an excellent balance of urban and outdoor living.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are an experienced and confident veterinary surgeon ready to step into a senior or leadership-focused role. You’ll bring:
*A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
*Strong experience in small animal first opinion practice
*Confidence in clinical decision-making across medicine and surgery
*Experience or interest in mentoring and supporting colleagues
*Strong communication and leadership skills
*A collaborative and proactive approach to team working
