Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Chatham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job description

Be part of something genuinely exciting in 2026

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Veterinary Surgeon to help shape the next chapter at Easipetcare Chatham. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in a practice with ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond, focused on creating something special, sustainable, and meaningful for both clients and colleagues.

If you are driven by high clinical standards, progressive leadership, and want the autonomy to influence how a practice evolves, this role offers exactly that.

Why This Role Is Different

• A true leadership position where your voice matters
• Opportunity to help shape long-term strategy and culture
• A practice actively investing in Quality Improvement (QI), clinical frameworks, and reflective learning
• Clear focus on better patient care, stronger teams, and improved client experience

Support to lead with inspiration rather than firefighting

You’ll be empowered to guide clinical direction, mentor the team, and embed QI principles that genuinely improve outcomes—not just tick boxes.

Location: Work Somewhere You’ll Love Living

Easipetcare Chatham is perfectly positioned for both lifestyle and convenience. Just minutes from Rochester, with its famous Christmas markets, Dickens Festival, independent shops, cafés, and historic charm. Prefer to be by the water? Chatham Historic Dockyard and the River Medway are right on your doorstep

Excellent transport links – mainline train station and major bus routes are under a 5-minute walk from the practice. Commutable to London for those wanting city access without city living

Our private 1-bedroom flat

To make relocation or transition easier, fully furnished on-site accommodation is available:

• Tucked away for peace and privacy
• Ideal for relocation, interim living, or reducing commute stress

The Role

As Lead Vet, you will:

• Provide clinical leadership and direction
• Champion Quality Improvement and clinical governance
• Mentor and develop vets and nurses
• Work collaboratively with existing leadership teams to shape the practice’s future
• Balance clinical work with leadership time
• Help build a practice culture where people feel supported, valued, and proud of the care they deliver

Who We’re Looking For

• An experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready to step into (or already in) a leadership role
• Confident decision-maker with strong clinical standards
• Passionate about QI, coaching, and continuous improvement
• Someone excited by the opportunity to build, not just maintain

Looking Ahead to 2026

This role isn’t about keeping things ticking over. It’s about creating a practice with identity, purpose, and pride—for the team who work here and the clients who trust us with their pets.

If you want to be part of shaping something meaningful from the ground up, this is your opportunity.

Proud to Be Part of IVC Evidensia

At IVC Evidensia, we’re driven by the passion and commitment of our people - across clinical, operational, and support teams. With over 2,500 clinics and hospitals in 20 countries and around 41,000 employees, we work together to care for around 25,000 animals every day.

United by a shared purpose - Healthy Animals, Happy Owners - we’re proud to champion long-term animal health and welfare through the dedication of every individual across our international network.

You Matter to Us – Your Benefits at a Glance

• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays – plus your birthday off
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family-friendly leave and pay
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Development

• £1,250 CPD allowance + 40 hours paid CPD
• Certificate and advanced learning support & Access to Vetlexicon online resources
• World leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet

Professional Memberships

• 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

This is a rare opportunity to step into a meaningful leadership role in a brand-new clinical environment, backed by a supportive and experienced team.

Apply today or get in touch for an informal, confidential chat.

Easipetcare, Chatham

Union Street, Chatham, ME4 4PZ, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Bartosz Piasecki from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.