Salary of up to £85,000 DOE
Welcome bonus of up to £10,000
Relocation allowance of up to £8,000
On-Site Accommodation Available
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.
Be part of something genuinely exciting. We’re looking for a Lead Vet to step up and shape the next chapter at Easipetcare Chatham. This isn’t a "keep things ticking over" kind of role, and it's definitely not a firefighting exercise. You will have true clinical autonomy to drive standards, mentor a brilliant team, and build a culture people actually want to work in.
Location-wise, we’ve nailed the balance between lifestyle and convenience. We are under a 5-minute walk from the mainline train station (perfect for easy London access) and right next door to historic Rochester and the waterfront views of the Chatham Dockyard. We have a private, fully furnished 1-bedroom flat right on-site to make moving effortless.
Our clinic is modern, fast-paced, and fully equipped to let you actually practice great medicine. You’ll handle a highly rewarding caseload spanning orthopaedics, soft tissue, cardiology, and imaging, backed by top-tier support, including a visiting cardiologist and an imaging certificate holder at our nearby Dartford site.
Practice Highlights
- True Autonomy: The freedom to shape long-term clinical strategy, culture, and Quality Improvement (QI) frameworks.
- Smart Support: Direct access to a visiting cardiologist on-site and a certificate-holding imaging vet nearby.
- On‑Site Living: A private, furnished 1‑bed flat available immediately to cut out travel stress.
- The Perfect Location: Five minutes from the train station, commutable to London, and surrounded by Rochester's historic charm.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.
You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.
Key Responsibilities
- Clinical Leadership & Mentorship: Guide, inspire, and develop our vets and nurses while fostering a proud, supportive team culture.
- Caseload Management: Oversee and deliver excellent care across a varied caseload that includes orthopaedics, soft tissue, cardiology, and diagnostic imaging.
- Clinical Governance: Embed meaningful QI principles that actively improve patient outcomes—no box‑ticking.
- Balanced Workflow: A healthy mix of hands‑on clinical work and dedicated, protected management time.
- No out-of-hours.
- 1:3 Saturday mornings only.
- Genuine flexibility around working hours and patterns.
- Working hours between 8:00am – 7:30pm.
- Condensed hours, adjusted start/finish times, and patterns to suit personal commitments can all be discussed.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high‑quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS.
- Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
- A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development.
- Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- A passion for delivering excellent 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
- 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 & 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 Chatham 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 Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Chatham
✨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.
