Lead Vet - Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Woking; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Woking is seeking a Lead Vet to drive clinical excellence and business success. You will lead a dedicated team, manage practice strategy, and foster a supportive culture. Ideal candidates will have active leadership experience, be a qualified veterinary surgeon, and possess strong communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, relocation allowance, and various benefits including CPD support and private medical insurance.

Benefits

6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family-friendly leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a management or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of business operations and financial management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with team members and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead on practice strategy and annual business planning.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance and high clinical standards.
• Champion outstanding service and client engagement.

Skills

Leadership Experience

Business Acumen

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Organisational Skills

Education

Qualified Veterinary Surgeon

Job description

Kingswood Vets, Woking, Woking, South East

Salary upto £75,000 DOE | Relocation Allowance up to £8,000 | Welcome Bonus up to £5,000

As Lead Vet, you will work closely with your clinical and support teams, you’ll drive high standards of care while achieving commercial success and maintaining a positive, supportive culture. You’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic and clinical direction of the practice, ensuring Kingswood continues to deliver exceptional client and patient care.

Why Work at Kingswood Vets

Kingswood Vets is a long-standing practice at the heart of the local community in Woking, with a sister branch in Chertsey. In 2018, we moved into a purpose-built hospital with four consult rooms, two theatres, dental and imaging suites, and separate dog and cat wards. We see a great mix of well-insured clients who want the best for their pets, alongside fulfilling charity work for the RSPCA and others.

A fantastic work-life balance: full-time role typically 40 hours/week across 4 days, with 1:4 Saturday morning (08:00–14:00). Part-time applications considered.

Our close-knit team includes nine vets, five RVNs, four student nurses, and a superb support crew. Among them are certificate holders in surgery, dentistry, imaging, and ophthalmology, plus visiting specialists in cardiology and orthopaedics.

Location: Woking offers easy access to the Surrey Hills, RHS Garden Wisley, and fast transport links to London and the coast. Heathrow, Gatwick, the M3, and M25 are all close by.

Key Accountabilities

Business & Growth

• Lead on practice strategy and annual business planning
• Deliver commercial targets and continuous improvement initiatives
• Engage the team in business goals and share best practice across the area

Clinical Excellence

• Ensure full regulatory compliance and high clinical standards
• Foster a culture of ongoing professional development and improvement

Client Experience

• Champion outstanding service and client engagement

Team & Culture

• Build and maintain an engaged, high-performing team
• Ensure the right resources are in place to meet clinical and client needs
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and supportive working environment
• Manage the full P&L and deliver on budget commitments

What are we looking for

• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in a management or leadership role
• Business Acumen & Results-Driven Mindset: Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and strategic planning.
• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with team members, clients, and external partners.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to manage conflict, solve problems quickly, and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Organisational Skills: Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, especially when managing multiple sites or teams.

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

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

Kingswood Vets, Woking

Sherpa House, Kingfield Road, Woking, GU22 9EH, 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 Michael Middleton from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.