At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team in providing exceptional veterinary care for small animals.
- Company: Portchester Vets, a trusted local practice with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Up to £80,000 salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear career pathways and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal health while enjoying clinical freedom and advanced facilities.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree, RCVS registration, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Portchester Vets is a trusted local veterinary practice with a strong community presence. Our aim is to deliver healthier animals and happier owners through comprehensive veterinary care.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our close‑knit team. The caseload is predominantly cats and dogs with occasional rabbits. You will have clinical freedom to work up cases using advanced diagnostic equipment (digital/dental X‑ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, K‑Laser, in‑house IDEXX laboratory) and you will be responsible for guiding the practice’s clinical standards and governance.
Practice Highlights
- Established local practice with over 10 years of community presence
- Balanced mix of consultations and surgery
- Clinical freedom with excellent diagnostic support
- Digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and K‑Laser facilities
- Fully equipped in‑house IDEXX laboratory
- Referral support through local practice links
- Charming converted building with dedicated staff facilities and on‑site parking
- Supportive team including 4 RVNs, 2 SVNs and client‑care colleagues
- Additional locum and specialist support available when required
How You’ll Make a Difference
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon you will be the senior veterinary clinician, responsible for:
- Leading clinical standards, governance and outstanding patient/client care
- Overseeing complex cases and providing primary clinical guidance
- Collaborating with senior leadership to support strategic direction and continuous clinical improvement
Working Pattern
- Full‑time position, 38 hours across four days
- 1 in 3 Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- No out‑of‑hours or on‑call commitments
- Part‑time applications also welcome
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
- Veterinary degree and RCVS registration with strong clinical expertise in small or mixed animal practice
- Advanced surgical and medical capability
- Experience mentoring, coaching and supporting veterinary colleagues
- Strong leadership, communication and decision‑making skills
- History of contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement
- 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
- 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 venues and 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 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 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 are committed to supporting our people through career development, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources. Whether you are 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 Fareham employer: Inspiring Vet Care
Portchester Vets is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in Fareham, Hampshire. With a strong community presence and a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from clear career pathways, funded learning opportunities, and a generous benefits package including private medical insurance and enhanced family leave. Join our close-knit team where you can enjoy clinical freedom, advanced diagnostic support, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Fareham
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Inspiring Vet Care, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal at Inspiring Vet Care. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Inspiring Vet Care will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiring Vet Care
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
