Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham, Hailsham, South East

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time, Part Time, Flexible

Up to £80,000 DOE

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.

Highcroft Vets is a modern and well-equipped small animal practice with a strong reputation for delivering high standards of patient and client care within the local community. We pride ourselves on providing a calm, welcoming, and professional environment for colleagues, clients, and patients alike.

You’ll enjoy a varied first opinion caseload with a balanced mix of consulting and surgery, working within a strong experienced team of 3 vets who are always willing to share knowledge and provide guidance.
Whether you are an experienced vet or looking to further develop your skills within a supportive environment, this role offers an excellent platform to grow and thrive clinically.

We operate across two sites, Hailsham & Polegate:

Hailsham (Main Practice)

Spacious consult rooms

Radiology suite with digital X-ray and ultrasound

Dedicated dental suite with dental x-ray

Full in-house IDEXX lab (including Lasercyte)

Surgical theatre with operating microscope, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry & capnography

Ophthalmology equipment, including tonopen

Separate dog and cat wards

Large, secure garden area for inpatients

Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic)

Just 4 miles away, focused on preventative health and routine care

How You’ll Make a Difference

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.

Key Responsibilities

MRCVS-qualified with strong clinical experience

Leadership skills or ambition to lead a team

Managing clinical standards and protocols

Practice operations and finances

Communication and team development abilities

Committed to continuous improvement and clinical excellence

Up to 40 hours per week across both of our practices in Hailsham and Polegate
Shifts will be on a rota basis and will be issued 12 weeks in advance, shifts will be 0800-1900
No out-of-hours commitment

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

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 or mixed animal practice, including advanced surgical and medical capability

Proven experience in 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

How We’ll Support You

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 opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses

£1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet

Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks

Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities

A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy

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

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham

25 London Road, Hailsham, BN27 3BN, United Kingdom

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Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets

Rabbit Friendly

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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.

Senior Talent Partner

Michael Middleton

michael.middleton@ivcevidensia.com