At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical standards and provide exceptional care for small animals.
- Company: Join Abivale Vets, a supportive and innovative veterinary practice.
- Benefits: Up to £70,000 salary, 6.8 weeks holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible hours with clear career progression and funded learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree, RCVS registration, and significant experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 € per year.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon responsible for clinical standards, governance, and client care at the Wallingford site, with occasional shifts at other branches.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, you will be 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. Undertake day‑to‑day running of the branch, and be responsible for providing excellent client care and owning the surgery. Solo charge position, working under those conditions. Flexibility with hours. The full‑time rota includes an average of 40 hours per week, with some weekend shifts – 2 Saturdays and 1 Sunday every 7 weeks. Bank holidays are on a rota basis. No out of hours or on‑call required. Part‑time applicants may be considered.
About Abivale
Our group consists of four surgeries in Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage. All sites are RCVS accredited and have an excellent range of equipment. A dedicated out‑of‑hours service supports all locations.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
- Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS, with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, 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.
- Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.
- Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care.
How We’ll Support You
- 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 and 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.
- 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.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal employer: Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford
Abivale Vets in Oxfordshire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and professional development. With clear career pathways, generous benefits including 6.8 weeks of holiday, private medical insurance, and a dedicated Care Fund, we empower our Lead Veterinary Surgeons to excel in their roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care within a community-focused environment.
Contact Detail:
Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best cases, leadership experiences, and any innovative practices you've implemented. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to clinical excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you handle complex clinical situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Abivale Vets. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Lead Vet role. Highlight your leadership experience, clinical governance contributions, and any mentoring you've done. We want to see how you can make a difference at Abivale!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about veterinary care and how your values align with ours. Share specific examples of your achievements in clinical settings and how you’ve led teams to success.
Showcase Your Clinical Expertise:In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your advanced surgical and medical capabilities. We’re looking for someone who can oversee complex cases, so let us know about your relevant experiences and successes in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our practice!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford
✨Know Your Clinical Standards
As a Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll be responsible for clinical governance. Brush up on the latest standards and practices in veterinary care, especially those relevant to small animals. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented or improved clinical standards in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and mentoring abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team, managed complex cases, or supported colleagues in their professional development. Highlight any initiatives you've taken to improve team performance or client care.
✨Demonstrate Your Decision-Making Process
You’ll need to act as the primary source of clinical guidance. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where your decision-making made a significant impact. Think about how you approach complex situations and how you balance patient care with client communication.
✨Understand the Practice's Values
Abivale Vets has a collaborative, values-led culture. Research their mission and values, and think about how your own professional philosophy aligns with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their focus on care, community, and continuous improvement.
