Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

St Marys Veterinary Clinic, Ferndown, Ferndown, South West

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time, Part Time, Flexible

Up to X pa DOE

Apply

Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
St Marys Veterinary Clinic | Ferndown, Dorset

Salary up to £80,000 DOE and up to £3,000 Relocation Allowance

St Marys Vets is an established, single-site practice with a strong local reputation and a great GP first-opinion caseload.

This role offers a balanced mix of consults and surgery, with the opportunity to work up cases in-house from routine procedures to ECC, while having referral support when needed.

You’ll need to be confident with sole charge and enjoy working with a varied caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits, and the occasional exotic.

The practice is fully equipped with modern facilities including digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, and an in-house lab and is due to undergo a full refurbishment.

IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.

At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.

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.

Monday to Friday 9:00 - 18:30 (1 half day during the week 9:00 - 13:00 to be arranged) 1 in 3 Saturday mornings 8:30 -12:30
No OOH or on call
Open to PT candidates 30+ hours min

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, with 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 IVC Evidensia, 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

6.6 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

St Marys Veterinary Clinic, Ferndown

300 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AS, United Kingdom

View on map

Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets

Exotic Friendly

Rabbit Friendly

Visit website

Apply

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

Talent Partner

Amelia Bateman

amelia.bateman@ivcevidensia.com