Dragon Vets Rissington - Lead Veterinary Surgeon in Cheltenham

Salary up to £70,000 DOE. Relocation Allowance up to £5,000. Dragon Vets, part of inspiring vet care, are seeking an enthusiastic Veterinary Surgeon to join our Rissington site as a Branch Lead. The role will require you to help shape the future of the branch by developing the staff and supporting senior management to ensure the site thrives. We promote further growth and development within the team, giving you access to a large client base with a wide variety of cases, equipment, CPD and a supportive team.

In this role you will be working with a large team of dedicated Vets, Nurses and support team members to deliver excellent client and patient care. The role will be primarily based at Rissington, working three days per week there, along with one other day at one of our other sites. 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.

Practice Highlights

• Located in the heart of Cheltenham, renowned for horse racing and a thriving bar and restaurant scene.
• Dragon Vets is an established practice and has invested in specialist equipment including CT, DR, rigid and flexible endoscopy, high‑end Doppler ultrasonography and well‑equipped operating facilities including laparoscopic kits and TPLO kits.
• We have a team of 16 vets, including certificate holders with Advanced Practitioner status in Small Animal Surgery, Cardiology and Medicine.
• We function as more than a first‑opinion practice, often performing complex surgeries and treating intensive medical cases that may otherwise have been referred.
• We have a dedicated, separate out‑of‑hours team – Vets Now – based within the same building, enabling 24‑hour care.
• Our nursing team is made up of 17 RVNs and 4 SVNs in various stages of their training.

Working Pattern

• Average of 37 hours per week over 4 days.
• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings.
• No out‑of‑hours or on‑call requirements.
• Flexible options available for both part‑time and full‑time applicants.

How You’ll Make a Difference

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.

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.
• 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

• 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.

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 & 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.