Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Derby, Derbyshire, England
Primary Care - Vet Surgeon – Small Animal /
Scarsdale Vets, Alfreton [2110] /
On-site

 
Ready to lead, inspire, and elevate veterinary care across a thriving network of practices? This is your opportunity to assist in shaping the future of a dynamic, multi-site team in the Midlands taking the reins as a Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Split your time between our well-equipped Shelton Lock and Allestree clinics—modern environments designed to support high-quality clinical work. With spacious consult rooms, dedicated operating theatres, diagnostic imaging (including X-ray and ultrasound), in-house labs, and separate cat and dog facilities, you’ll have everything you need to deliver exceptional care.

But this role goes far beyond the consult room

You’ll lead and support a talented team of vets across five sites—Shelton Lock, Allestree, Oakwood, Alfreton, and Langley Mill—guiding clinical standards, mentoring colleagues, and driving excellence across the group. You’ll also play a part in shaping the next generation of vets, working alongside Nottingham University clinicians and final year students.

At the heart of the group is a Tier 3 RCVS-accredited hospital, giving you access to cutting-edge facilities including CT, MRI, endoscopy, advanced ultrasound, and a multidisciplinary referral service. Whether your passion lies in surgery, medicine, or leadership, this environment empowers you to grow and thrive.
Join a team of 25+ vets, including certificate holders across multiple disciplines, all supported by exceptional nurses and support staff. Here, your ambitions are backed—certificate study is actively encouraged, and development is part of the culture.


Why this role stands out:
•    Lead across a diverse and supportive multi-site network 
•    Influence clinical standards and team development 
•    Inspire future vets through teaching opportunities 
•    Grow your own career with full support for further qualifications 

This isn’t just a leadership role—it’s your chance to make a lasting impact on a progressive, forward-thinking veterinary group.

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 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. 
 
The role covers a 4 day week between Monday – Friday 8.30am – 7pm for 38 hours. Your time will be shared between onsite clinical work covering consultations and procedures and administration time to enable you to 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.

 
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 
 
At IVC Evidensia, 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  

£50,000 - £75,000 a year
Up to £75,000 (DOE)
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.