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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic veterinary team and ensure high standards of care.
- Company: Join Linnaeus, part of the largest family-owned veterinary company globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, relocation support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of veterinary care while mentoring and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experienced vet with leadership skills and a commitment to clinical excellence.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Overview
5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.
Job Title: Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum (Depending on experience)
Location: Kings and Rutland Veterinary Centre, Leicester and Rutland
Hours: 40 hours per week over 4 days, with a share of the weekend rota and protected admin time
We have a unique opportunity for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our team. This role can be based across any of our sites to best suit your needs, with the exciting chance to play a key part in the opening of our brand-new, purpose-built Veterinary Hospital at Melton in 2026.
As Lead Veterinarian, you’ll work alongside our Clinical Director to maintain clinical excellence, support team growth, and help drive the ongoing success of our practice.
Whether you’re an experienced vet looking for your next challenge, or ready to take that important step into leadership, this is your chance to grow, lead, and thrive.
Come and join us – and help shape the future of veterinary care with us.
Why join us?
- Lead with purpose – make meaningful decisions, mentor others, and elevate standards of care.
- Varied caseload – from routine to more complex cases, giving you scope to continually develop.
- Collaborative team – work alongside friendly colleagues with postgraduate certificates who value mentorship and shared learning.
- Invest in your future – access leadership training, CPD support, and encouragement to pursue clinical interests and certificates.
- Excellent facilities – dedicated x-ray and dental facilities, 2 theatres, separate dog and cat wards and waiting areas.
- Work-life balance – enjoy a four-day working week (or spread across five days if preferred) with built-in admin time, plus flexibility for important appointments, family events, and emergencies.
The Team
We are a first opinion, RVCS-accredited veterinary hospital with 5 branches in Melton, Syston, Uppingham, Oakham, Market Harborough and Corby. We pride ourselves in offering on-site emergency care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our dedicated team of clinical and non-clinical staff provide high standards of bespoke, affordable care to our patients and our clients. We are heavily involved in the local community and actively support many local pet charities.
You’ll have the backing of a dedicated administrative team (HR, H&S, finance) to handle the non-clinical details, freeing you to focus on veterinary excellence. On-call duties will be minimal as we transition into our brand-new hospital in Spring 2026, with weekday shifts worked on a rota basis and a fair share of bank holidays.
As part of the Linnaeus family, you’ll also benefit from collaborating with like-minded colleagues across the group, attending clinical, business, and leadership meetings, and contributing to veterinary excellence on a wider scale.
What We’re Looking For
- A confident and experienced veterinary surgeon able to provide clinical leadership and support the team.
- Upholds high standards of care and client service.
- Certificate holder (minimum requirement), ideally with a medicine or imaging bias.
- Drives clinical governance and ensures compliance with practice protocols.
- Collaborates with the Clinical Director on rota planning, team wellbeing, and operational decisions.
- Enjoys supporting others, building team culture, and leading with empathy and clarity.
- Strong clinical decision-making abilities and able to interpret diagnostics effectively.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment and remains calm under pressure.
- Collaborative team player who helps maintain a positive culture and fosters excellent client relationships.
What We Offer
- 5-weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
- Relocation support
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Staff discount
- Life assurance
- Generous staff discount for your pets
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Extensive internal and funded external CPD
About Us
Rutland and Kings Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.
At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.
We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
If you would like to apply for this position or would simply like to discuss it in more detail, please contact Lissa.semerdak@linnaeusgroup.co.uk or complete the application form below.
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Lead Veterinary Surgeon employer: Linnaeus
Contact Detail:
Linnaeus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary leadership. Think about how you can showcase your clinical decision-making skills and your ability to support and mentor a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay positive and persistent! The job search can be tough, but keep refining your approach and learning from each experience. Remember, every interview is a chance to improve and get closer to landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant certifications to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about veterinary care and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Whether it’s a successful case or a mentoring moment, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially in areas like clinical governance and diagnostics. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you've maintained high standards of care.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Think of examples where you've supported team growth or made impactful decisions. This will show that you're not just a great vet, but also a great leader.
✨Be a Team Player
Collaboration is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've worked with colleagues in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to maintain a positive culture and foster excellent client relationships.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's future, the new hospital opening, or their approach to team wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.