At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical standards and mentor a passionate veterinary team in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider, dedicated to healthier animals and happier owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.8 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and a £1,250 annual Care Fund.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear career pathways and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree, RCVS registration, and strong experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 an experienced team of three Veterinary Surgeons 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 and Polegate.
Practice Highlights- Hailsham (Main Practice)
- Spacious consulting rooms
- Radiology suite with digital X‑ray and ultrasound
- Dedicated dental suite with dental X‑ray
- Full in‑house IDEXX laboratory, including Lasercyte
- Surgical theatre with operating microscope, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry and capnography
- Ophthalmology equipment, including Tonopen
- Separate dog and cat wards
- Large secure garden area for inpatients
- Polegate (Wellness & Vaccination Clinic)
- Located just 4 miles away
- Focused on preventative healthcare and routine care
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.
Working Pattern- Up to 40 hours per week across both our Hailsham and Polegate practices
- Shifts are worked on a rota basis and issued 12 weeks in advance
- Typical shift pattern is 8:00am‑7:00pm
- No out‑of‑hours commitment
- Lead clinical standards and governance across the practice
- Support and develop the veterinary team through coaching and mentorship
- Oversee complex medical and surgical cases
- Contribute to practice operations and financial performance
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and clinical excellence
- Support team engagement, communication and development
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 animal practice and strong medical and surgical capability
- Proven experience 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
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 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
- A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
- 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 and 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.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Hailsham employer: Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham
Highcroft Veterinary Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and mentorship for its veterinary team. Located in Hailsham, the practice provides competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and private medical insurance, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance while fostering continuous improvement in patient care.
Contact Details:
Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Hailsham
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Hailsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Highcroft Veterinary Group, Hailsham.
