Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Portchester Vets, Fareham, Fareham, South East Salary up to £80,000 DOE, welcome bonus of up to £5,000, and relocation allowance of up to £5,000

For more than a decade, Portchester Vets has been caring for pets and their owners, becoming a trusted and well-loved practice within the local community. Located just a short walk from the high street, we’re known for our welcoming atmosphere, loyal client base and strong relationships built on trust. We are now looking for an experienced and confident Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our close-knit team and play a key role in guiding the practice forward.

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will bring experience in leading a practice and supporting a veterinary and nursing team. You will feel comfortable mentoring colleagues when needed, helping to develop clinical confidence and maintain high standards of care across the practice. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining hands‑on clinical work with leadership and enjoys helping a team thrive.

The practice primarily sees cats and dogs, with the occasional rabbit, providing a well‑balanced mix of consultations and surgery. While most procedures are routine, you’ll have the freedom to work cases up thoroughly with access to excellent diagnostic tools including digital and dental X‑ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, K‑laser and an in‑house IDEXX laboratory. Strong relationships with neighbouring practices ensure referral options when required, while some sole charge responsibilities make this a great role for a vet who enjoys autonomy and confident decision‑making.

Set within a converted house, the practice has a warm and homely feel from the moment you arrive. Facilities include a dedicated laboratory, X‑ray suite, office space for admin and a comfortable staff room with refreshment facilities, along with convenient on‑site parking. You will be supported by a capable and hands‑on nursing team who actively assist with patient care and contribute to the smooth running of the practice.

You will be joining a friendly and supportive team made up of one other vet, four RVNs, two SVNs and a dedicated client care team, alongside regular locum support. Visiting specialists can also be arranged when required, ensuring patients receive excellent care while providing strong clinical backing for the team.

This is a full‑time position working 38 hours across four days, with one in three Saturday mornings from 9am to 12pm. There are no out‑of‑hours or on‑call commitments, and part‑time applications are also welcome for those seeking additional flexibility.

Fareham offers a fantastic lifestyle, combining coastal living with excellent connectivity. With easy access to Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent coastline and the South Downs, the area is perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The town itself offers great shops, cafés and local amenities, along with excellent transport links to Portsmouth, Southampton and London, making it a wonderful place to build both a career and a life.

• Work‑life balance
• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing

• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees
• Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
• Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme,…