Overview
Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Salary of up to £75,000 DOE
Relocation allowance up to £5,000
Welcome bonus up to £5,000
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. We are looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to step into an additional Clinical Lead role, joining our established Clinical Lead team within a six-site practice in Essex. This is a key position for a confident clinician who enjoys a varied caseload while helping to shape clinical standards, support colleagues, and contribute to the continued growth of our practice.
You won’t be leading alone, you’ll work alongside our existing senior leadership group, adding your experience and perspective to a collaborative Clinical Lead structure that already supports our teams across all sites. This role has been created to strengthen our leadership capacity as we continue to expand, evolve, and invest in clinical excellence.
A Role That Balances Clinical Work and Leadership
You’re an experienced Veterinary Surgeon with RCVS registration, strong clinical capability, and a natural ability to support and guide others.
You will play a key role in shaping clinical direction, supporting less experienced vets, and working closely with the wider leadership team, whilst continuing to enjoy hands-on clinical work across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics. You’ll have the opportunity to influence how the practice grows and evolves, contributing to clinical standards, continuous improvement and a strong, collaborative culture amongst our six clinics.
As an established six-site small animal practice, we have a large clinical team supported by experienced support staff we offer strong support for certificate development and clinical interests across the team.
If you’re an experienced vet ready to shape the future of a well-established practice while continuing hands-on work, this could be the perfect next step.
Clinical Responsibilities
- You’ll contribute to shaping clinical direction and standards.
- Support less experienced vets and work with the wider leadership team.
- Continue hands-on clinical work across consultations, surgery, and diagnostics.
- Influence how the practice grows, evolves, and maintains a strong, collaborative culture.
- Operate within a six-site six-clinic environment across a broad caseload.
Qualifications
- RCVS registration and strong clinical capability.
- Experience in a senior role is advantageous; ability to communicate well and build relationships.
- Ability to create an environment where people feel supported to do their best work.
Clinical Resources and Working Environment
- Broad mix of patients including cats, dogs, small furries and wildlife; caseload includes routine work and complex cases.
- Access to ultrasound, endoscopy, ECG, full IDEXX lab, digital and dental x-ray, and a range of laparoscopic and orthopedic equipment.
- Main site with separate cat and dog areas, multiple consult rooms, three theatres, dedicated imaging and lab spaces, purpose-built wards, and staff facilities; opportunities to work across multiple branches.
- Shifts: 40 hours over four days, 8:00–18:30 last appointment; 1 in 5 Saturday mornings; 1 in 8 emergency day cover for own clients; no on-call; weekend time off balanced with rest days.
What We Offer
- 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.
Salary of up to £75,000 DOE
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Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Witham employer: Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road
Spring Lodge Vets is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises high-quality client care and professional development. With opportunities for growth through multidisciplinary collaboration across six sites, our Registered Veterinary Nurses benefit from a dynamic environment that fosters both personal and career advancement, making it a rewarding place to work in Witham.
Contact Details:
Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Witham
✨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 Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road 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 Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road. 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 Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road.
✨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 Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road.
✨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 Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road.
