Ivybank Vets, Irvine, Irvine, Scotland

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time, Part Time, Flexible

Up to £70,000 DOE

Salary up to £70,000 DOE | Relocation Allowance up to £2,000

At Ivybank Vets, we are looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to step into a Clinical Lead role within our friendly and well-established practice along the beautiful west coast of Ayrshire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the variety of first opinion practice while also taking an active role in clinical leadership, supporting colleagues and helping to drive high standards of patient care across the team.

As Clinical Lead, you will work closely with the Director of Practice and Clinical Services, Practice Manager, and Head Nurse, playing a key role in supporting clinical decision-making, promoting best practice, and contributing to the ongoing development of the team. You will also have the opportunity to deputise for the Director of Practice and Clinical Services when required.

This role would suit a confident clinician who enjoys mentoring others, leading by example, and remaining actively involved in a varied small animal caseload, with scope to further develop leadership or management skills over time.

Practice Highlights:

Established four-branch small animal practice (Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, West Kilbride)
Experienced clinical team of 11 Veterinary Surgeons
Supported by 7 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 1 Student Nurse, ACAs, and dedicated reception/support team
Strong collaborative culture with shared learning and case discussion embedded in daily practice
Modern diagnostic and surgical facilities including digital radiography, ultrasound, dental suite, and in-house laboratory
Varied first-opinion caseload with opportunities for clinical development and leadership influence
Supportive environment with multiple clinicians holding specific clinical interests

About IVC Evidensia

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 Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll play a key role in both clinical care and supporting the wider team.

Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care within a first opinion caseload
Support and mentor colleagues, promoting clinical excellence and best practice
Contribute to clinical leadership and decision-making across the practice
Work collaboratively with the senior leadership team to support service development
Help implement and promote quality improvement initiatives within the practice
Participate in a 1 in 4 weekend rota (4-hour shift)
No out-of-hours commitment (externally covered)

Working Pattern:

Full-time: 39 hours per week
Typically 4 days per week (8:30am–7:00pm, Monday–Friday)
1 in 4 weekends (short shift cover only)
Flexible working discussions welcomed

Life on the Ayrshire Coast

Ivybank Vets is located along the stunning Ayrshire coastline, offering an excellent balance between professional life and lifestyle. With beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and countryside on your doorstep, it’s an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor living. Glasgow is also within easy commuting distance, offering access to city life when desired.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a confident and motivated small animal veterinary surgeon who enjoys clinical variety and supporting others. You’ll bring:

A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility) with the RCVS
Experience in small animal first opinion practice
Confidence in clinical decision-making and routine surgery/medicine
Strong communication and leadership potential
A collaborative, supportive, and proactive approach to team working

How We’ll Support You 

What We Offer Our Team