Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Kernow Vet Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in East Midlands is seeking an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon. In this role, you will guide a dedicated clinical team, ensuring high standards of patient care while promoting professional development. The position offers a generous benefits package and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing. The practice recognizes and rewards excellence and supports your career progression in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will have extensive veterinary experience and a passion for leadership.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Discounted treatment for pets

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience as a Lead Veterinary Surgeon or similar role.
• Strong clinical governance knowledge and compliance with standards.
• Exceptional communication and team leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the veterinary clinical team.
• Oversee complex veterinary cases and ensure high standards of care.
• Drive clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and best practice.

Skills

Leadership

Veterinary clinical skills

Mentorship

Communication

Education

Registered Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS)

Job description

White Cross Vets, Alvaston, Derby, East Midlands

Join Our Team as a Lead Veterinary Surgeon at White Cross Vet Alvaston!

White Cross Vets Alvaston is seeking an experienced and inspiring Lead Veterinary Surgeon to guide the clinical direction of our practice. This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on veterinary work with leadership, mentorship, and service development within a friendly, supportive, and forward-thinking team.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead, mentor, and inspire our clinical team, supporting vets and nurses as they develop their skills and confidence. You will oversee complex cases, provide second opinions, and maintain the highest standards of patient care, while driving clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practice.

Strong clinical governance is essential, ensuring full compliance with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards. You will work closely with the Practice Director to support service development, implement improvements, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the practice. Additionally, you will foster a positive, engaged team culture that encourages learning, development, and collaboration, while supporting CPD and career progression to help the team reach their full potential.

Why Choose White Cross Vets

At White Cross Vets, we pride ourselves on our commitment to team wellbeing and our supportive work environment. Recognised as SPVS Wellbeing Award Winners in 2017 and 2018 and consistently ranked in the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For, we offer a generous package that promotes a superb work-life balance. Join a team that values collaboration and professional development, reflected in our numerous accolades for wellbeing and employer excellence.

Our Team and Facilities

Join our exceptional team of 4 vets, 7 RVNs, 2 and 6 CCCs dedicated to delivering high standards of care in a friendly atmosphere. Our practice is equipped with modern facilities, including two theatres, dedicated imaging and dental suites, and ample room for expansion based on your interests.

Here’s what our team have to say

“Whitecross Alvaston is a great place to work. Management are forward-thinking and always looking for suggestions to make things better. I felt fully supported in clinical decisions I made! The team are the best part, always open to case discussions and keeping us entertained.” – Abigail Hughes, Veterinary Surgeon

“I enjoyed my time at Alvaston White Cross so much! The team pulls together well, and there is good support for working up interesting cases. Plus, plenty of fun team events and delicious treats!” – Amanda, Veterinary Nurse

“I was the Clinic Director at White Cross Alvaston for six years, and I can confidently say it has been the best workplace of my career. The team, along with the supportive local management, not only made my role seamless but genuinely enjoyable. Staff turnover is exceptionally low, with most departures due only to relocation or career progression, which speaks volumes about the environment. Leaving was an extremely difficult decision, and had it not been for my own career development, I would never have chosen to move on. I will remain in close contact with the team and will truly miss working alongside them. Anyone who joins this practice will be incredibly fortunate. It is, without question, a one in a million workplace.” – Hazel Robninson (Current Clinic Director).

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

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

Development

• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• 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

Professional Memberships

• 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, subject to eligibility criteria
• Voluntary benefit: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

White Cross Vets, Alvaston

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