Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

St Marys Veterinary Clinic, Ferndown, Ferndown, South West Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
St Mary's Veterinary Clinic - Ferndown, Dorset Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000

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.

St Mary's Vets, part of inspiring vet care, is a long-established practice with a loyal client base and an excellent reputation within the local community. We're looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team as we enter an exciting new chapter.

This role offers an excellent balance of consultations and surgery, with the opportunity to manage a varied first-opinion caseload and work cases through from initial presentation to diagnosis and treatment. You'll see everything from routine procedures to emergency and critical care cases, with referral support available whenever required.

As part of an exciting merger with our sister practice, Aniwell Vets, you'll have the opportunity to work across both sites, benefiting from the support of a larger clinical team while enjoying an even broader and more varied caseload. This collaborative approach provides excellent opportunities to share knowledge, develop your skills and build strong relationships across the wider practice.

We're looking for a confident Veterinary Surgeon who is comfortable with sole charge and enjoys the variety of first‑opinion practice. You'll care for a wide range of patients, including cats, dogs, rabbits and the occasional exotic, while working within a welcoming team that values collaboration, high clinical standards and continuity of care.

• Well-established practice with a loyal client base and an excellent local reputation
• Opportunity to work across both St Mary's and Aniwell practices
• Varied first‑opinion caseload with a great balance of consultations and surgery
• Opportunity to work cases up in‑house, from routine procedures through to emergency and critical care
• Referral support available whenever required
• Caseload includes cats, dogs, rabbits and occasional exotics
• Well‑equipped with digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and an in‑house laboratory
• Full practice refurbishment planned, creating an even better working environment

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.

• Full‑time over 4 or 5 days per week
• 1 in 3 Saturday mornings (8:30am‑12:30pm)
• No out‑of‑hours or on‑call commitment
• Part‑time applications welcomed

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 animal practice and advanced medical and surgical capability
• Proven experience 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

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…