Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Find your future with Acres Vets

Acres Vets is entering an exciting new chapter, and we're looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join us on a 12-month maternity cover contract. With our continued growth and upcoming move to a brand-new, purpose-built practice at Airdrie Retail Park, there's never been a better time to become part of our friendly and ambitious team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced veterinary surgeon looking to step into a leadership role where you can influence clinical standards, support and develop colleagues, and help shape the future of the practice. Working alongside our skilled veterinary nurses and support staff, you'll play a key role in maintaining clinical excellence, mentoring colleagues and delivering exceptional patient care.

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll combine clinical responsibilities with leadership duties, helping to maintain the highest standards of patient and client care while supporting and mentoring your colleagues. You'll work closely with the Practice Manager and nursing team to drive clinical excellence, encourage continuous development and help lead the practice through an exciting period of growth. This role would suit an experienced small animal GP who enjoys leading by example, building strong client relationships and working collaboratively within a supportive team.

This is a 35-hour week, worked across four weekdays, including one later shift, with just 1 in 6 (or potentially 1 in
7) Saturday mornings. The role is offered as a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract, providing an excellent opportunity to gain or further develop leadership experience within a well-established practice.

Acres Vets is a single-site, first opinion small animal practice with an exciting future ahead. In 2026, we'll be relocating to a purpose-built practice at Airdrie Retail Park-a modern facility three times the size of our current premises, giving us significant scope to expand both our patient numbers and the services we provide.

Our new practice will be equipped with brand-new, high-specification equipment, including digital direct radiography, dental radiography and upgraded clinical facilities. We also have ultrasound, an in-house laboratory and tonometry, with plans for future investment in endoscopy as the practice continues to grow.

You’ll be joining a friendly and experienced team of 6 Veterinary Surgeons, 5 RVNs and 9 dedicated support colleagues who are passionate about delivering outstanding patient care. We're also proud to be an RVN Training Practice and hold RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (General Practice) accreditation, reflecting our commitment to clinical excellence and continuous development.

Located in the heart of Scotland's Central Belt, Airdrie offers the perfect balance of town and country living. With Glasgow just 12 miles away and Edinburgh around 35 miles away, you'll have easy access to two vibrant cities while enjoying more affordable living, beautiful countryside and excellent transport links across Scotland.

• 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

• 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

Up £65,000 salary