At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Highcroft Vets is a modern and well-equipped small animal practice with a strong reputation for delivering high standards of patient and client care within the local community. We pride ourselves on providing a calm, welcoming, and professional environment for colleagues, clients, and patients alike.
You’ll enjoy a varied first opinion caseload with a balanced mix of consulting and surgery, working within a strong experienced team of 3 vets who are always willing to share knowledge and provide guidance.
Whether you are an experienced vet or looking to further develop your skills within a supportive environment, this role offers an excellent platform to grow and thrive clinically.
We operate across two sites, Hailsham & Polegate:
Hailsham (Main Practice)
*Spacious consult rooms
*Radiology suite with digital X-ray and ultrasound
*Dedicated dental suite with dental x-ray
*Full in-house IDEXX lab (including Lasercyte)
*Surgical theatre with operating microscope, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry & capnography
*Ophthalmology equipment, including tonopen
*Separate dog and cat wards
*Large, secure garden area for inpatients
Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic)
*Just 4 miles away, focused on preventative health and routine care
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.
Key Responsibilities
*MRCVS-qualified with strong clinical experience
*Leadership skills or ambition to lead a team
*Managing clinical standards and protocols
*Practice operations and finances
*Communication and team development abilities
*Committed to continuous improvement and clinical excellence
*Up to 40 hours per week across both of our practices in Hailsham and Polegate
*Shifts will be on a rota basis and will be issued 12 weeks in advance, shifts will be 0800-1900
*No out-of-hours commitment
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
* 6.8 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.
