Find your future with Acres Vets
Acres Vets is entering an exciting new chapter, and we're looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join us on a 12-month maternity cover contract. With our continued growth and upcoming move to a brand-new, purpose‑built practice at Airdrie Retail Park, there's never been a better time to become part of our friendly and ambitious team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced veterinary surgeon looking to step into a leadership role where you can influence clinical standards, support and develop colleagues, and help shape the future of the practice. Working alongside our skilled veterinary nurses and support staff, you'll play a key role in maintaining clinical excellence, mentoring colleagues and delivering exceptional patient care.
What you'll be stepping into
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll combine clinical responsibilities with leadership duties, helping to maintain the highest standards of patient and client care while supporting and mentoring your colleagues. You'll work closely with the Practice Manager and nursing team to drive clinical excellence, encourage continuous development and help lead the practice through an exciting period of growth.This role would suit an experienced small animal GP who enjoys leading by example, building strong client relationships and working collaboratively within a supportive team.
This is a 35-hour week, worked across four weekdays, including one later shift, with just 1 in 6 (or potentially 1 in 7) Saturday mornings. The role is offered as a 12-month fixed‑term maternity cover contract, providing an excellent opportunity to gain or further develop leadership experience within a well‑established practice.
About Acres Vets
Acres Vets is a single‑site, first opinion small animal practice with an exciting future ahead. In 2026, we'll be relocating to a purpose‑built practice at Airdrie Retail Park—a modern facility three times the size of our current premises, giving us significant scope to expand both our patient numbers and the services we provide.
Our new practice will be equipped with brand‑new, high‑specification equipment, including digital direct radiography, dental radiography and upgraded clinical facilities. We also have ultrasound, an in‑house laboratory and tonometry, with plans for future investment in endoscopy as the practice continues to grow.
You'll be joining a friendly and experienced team of 6 Veterinary Surgeons, 5 RVNs and 9 dedicated support colleagues who are passionate about delivering outstanding patient care. We're also proud to be an RVN Training Practice and hold RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (General Practice) accreditation, reflecting our commitment to clinical excellence and continuous development.
Life in Airdrie
Located in the heart of Scotland's Central Belt, Airdrie offers the perfect balance of town and country living. With Glasgow just 12 miles away and Edinburgh around 35 miles away, you'll have easy access to two vibrant cities while enjoying more affordable living, beautiful countryside and excellent transport links across Scotland.
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 & 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
£0 - £65,000 a year
Up £65,000 salary
Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Airdrie employer: Ivc
Ivc is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and forward-thinking work culture at the Abbey Vet Clinic in Montrose. With flexible hours and a commitment to career growth, employees can enjoy clinical freedom while managing a varied caseload in a well-equipped practice near the stunning Angus coastline. We prioritise individual development and invest in our team's future, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Airdrie
✨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 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
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Ivc. 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.
✨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.
✨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.
