Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Ark Vets, Knocknacarra

Kernow Vet Group; Ireland; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive veterinary practice in Ireland seeks a confident Lead Veterinary Surgeon to advance clinical standards while mentoring a skilled team. This full-time position offers a unique blend of leadership and clinical duties, including surgery and patient consultations, within an innovative and collaborative environment. Applicants should possess proven experience in small animal medicine and a desire for continuous professional development. A generous benefits package and funding for professional development opportunities are included.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave

Paid maternity and paternity leave

CPD funding

Annual pay reviews

Discounted veterinary fees

Pawesome Benefits reward platform

Qualifications

• Proven experience in small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency care.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Interest or postgraduate training in Diagnostic Imaging or Dentistry desirable.

Responsibilities

• Shape clinical standards and mentor colleagues.
• Ensure high-quality veterinary care across consultations and surgeries.
• Support business development alongside clinical operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Small animal medicine

Surgery

Emergency care

Continuous learning

Education

VCI Registered Veterinary Surgeon

Tools

CT scanner

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound

Dental radiography

Job description

An Exciting Opportunity for an Experienced Veterinary Clinician Ready to Lead

Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon ready to take the next step into leadership? This role offers a unique opportunity to become a key part of a progressive, referral-led practice group in Galway.

We’re seeking a confident, motivated clinician who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about driving clinical excellence. This position is ideally suited to someone looking to advance towards a Clinical Director role in the future.

An existing certificate, or strong interest in pursuing one, in Diagnostic Imaging or Dentistry will be a distinct advantage. You’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities including a CT scanner, digital x-ray, ultrasound and a fully equipped dental suite with dental radiography.

Role Overview

• Position: Lead Veterinary Surgeon
• Type: Full-time, permanent (40 hours per week)
• On-call rota: Generous on-call rota shared with neighbouring IVC practice

As our Lead Vet, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping clinical standards, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring our patients receive the very best in veterinary care. You’ll work closely with the Practice Manager and leadership team to support clinical operations and contribute to business development, while maintaining hands-on clinical work across consultations, surgeries, and complex cases.

This role is a perfect blend of leadership, strategy, and clinical practice – ideal for someone who enjoys being both an inspiring team leader and a dedicated clinician.

We’re looking for someone who brings a balance of clinical experience, people skills, and ambition.

• VCI Registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Proven experience in small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency care
• Strong leadership and communication skills – ability to motivate and inspire your team
• Interest or postgraduate training in Diagnostic Imaging or Dentistry highly desirable
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Business and financial acumen beneficial – training and mentorship will be provided

If you’re a natural leader who enjoys taking initiative, supporting others, and thinking strategically about patient care and practice growth, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us – Making an Impact Together

At Ark Vets, we pride ourselves on being more than just a veterinary practice. Our mission is to make a real difference to our patients, our clients, and our team.

Our Knocknacarra branch serves as the referral centre for our group, managing both first opinion and referral cases. The practice boasts advanced diagnostic and surgical capabilities including:

• CT Scanner
• Digital X-ray and ultrasound
• Full IDEXX laboratory suite
• Endoscopy and orthopaedic referral services
• Brand-new surgical extension with state-of-the-art theatres

Our St. Mary’s Road branch complements this with a fully equipped dental suite and dental X-ray facilities, allowing our teams to deliver outstanding care across multiple disciplines.

You’ll be joining a friendly and skilled team of 8 Veterinary Surgeons, 7 Veterinary Nurses, a Practice Manager, and 4 support staff, all united by a shared commitment to gold-standard veterinary medicine and a supportive working culture.

Our Culture and Commitment

At IVC Evidensia Ireland, we believe in investing in people as much as in facilities. We offer a supportive, inclusive, and progressive environment where you’ll be encouraged to reach your full potential.

We provide:

• Fully funded CPD opportunities and postgraduate certificates
• Structured career pathways for clinical and leadership development
• A collaborative and compassionate culture where innovation and teamwork are celebrated
• Whether your goals are clinical excellence, leadership growth, or specialisation, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Benefits (Subject to Pro Rata)

We value balance, wellbeing, and professional development. Along with a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including:

Work-Life Balance

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Birthday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity, adoptive leave packages
• Cycle to work scheme
• Full access to employee assistance programme and wellbeing centre
• Company sick pay & paid bereavement leave

Professional Development

• €1,300 annual CPD allowance + 5 paid CPD days
• Funding for certificates, diplomas, or even PhDs
• Clear career progression opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical

Professional Memberships

• VCI membership covered
• VDS cover paid

Additional Benefits

• Annual pay reviews
• Dedicated CARE Fund (€1,100 annually per Vet) for special cases
• Pawesome Benefits reward platform (discounts and cashback with retailers)
• Employer pension contributions
• Free flu vaccinations
• Discounted veterinary fees
• Opportunities to join company committees and programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing, Clinical Boards, and more)

Ready to Take the Lead?

If you’re a seasoned clinician eager to step into a leadership role within a thriving, forward-thinking practice, this is your opportunity.

Join Ark Vets Galway and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of veterinary care – where your expertise, passion, and leadership can truly make a difference.

Apply today and take the next step in your veterinary career.

Unit 3 Miller's Hall, Western Distributor Road, H91 TD0F, Ireland

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