Barrow Hill Vets, Ashford, Ashford, South East
Salary up to £80,000 plus welcome bonus of up to £5000, and up to £5,000 relocation allowance
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our supportive and well-equipped practice.
You'll be joining a talented team of 9 Veterinary Surgeons, 11 RVNs, 1 SVN and an ANA, supported by a dedicated client care team, insurance processor and bookings clerk. Visiting specialists are available in orthopaedics, cardiology and ophthalmology, and three of our vets hold AVP certificates.
Practice Highlights
- Excellent facilities and equipment
- On-site CT scanner
- Laparoscopy, ultrasound and endoscopy facilities
- Visiting specialists in orthopaedics, cardiology and ophthalmology
- Team includes 9 Veterinary Surgeons, 11 RVNs, 1 SVN and an ANA
- Three Veterinary Surgeons hold AVP certificates
- Dedicated client care, insurance and bookings support
- No out-of-hours or on-call commitments
How You'll Make a Difference
In this role, you will lead, mentor, and inspire our clinical team, supporting vets and nurses as they develop their skills and confidence. You will oversee complex cases, provide second opinions, and maintain the highest standards of patient care, while driving clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practice.
Strong clinical governance is essential, ensuring full compliance with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards. You will work closely with the Practice Director to support service development, implement improvements, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the practice. Additionally, you will foster a positive, engaged team culture that encourages learning, development, and collaboration, while supporting CPD and career progression to help the team reach their full potential.
Working Pattern
- 40 hours across 4 days
- One regular day off each week
- No out-of-hours or on-call commitments
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, including 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 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 & 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
- 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
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.
Barrow Hill Vets, Ashford
Maidstone Road, Ashford, TN24 8TY, United Kingdom
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.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ashford employer: IVC Evidensia Group
At inspiring vet care, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our team. With clear career pathways, funded learning opportunities, and a collaborative culture, our Basingstoke location offers not only a vibrant community but also easy access to beautiful countryside and urban amenities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care while enjoying a flexible work-life balance and a welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ashford
✨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 IVC Evidensia Group often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
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 IVC Evidensia Group
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at IVC Evidensia Group. 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 IVC Evidensia Group.
✨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 IVC Evidensia Group.
✨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 IVC Evidensia Group.
