Lead Veterinary Surgeon – 24/7 Small Animal Hospital
Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience (from £55,000 - £80,000)
Hours: 40 hours per week over 4 days
Weekend: 2 in 9 weekends
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
An excellent opportunity is available for an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, to join an established 24/7 small animal hospital and take a key role in leading its veterinary team.
This senior position combines hands-on clinical work with genuine leadership responsibility. You will guide, coach and mentor Veterinary Surgeons while helping maintain consistently high standards of clinical care and governance.
The role offers an attractive 4-day working week, a 2 in 9 weekend rota, 6 weeks' holiday, funded CPD, private healthcare and visa sponsorship.
Working closely with the wider hospital leadership team, you will also contribute to operational performance, colleague development and the continued success of the hospital.
About the Practice
The practice is a busy 24/7 small animal veterinary hospital in Ellesmere Port, providing continuous care for patients alongside a varied and rewarding clinical caseload.
The hospital has a strong focus on delivering accessible, high-quality veterinary treatment while providing its clinical team with opportunities to develop their skills and experience.
A collaborative working culture encourages knowledge sharing, mentoring and professional development across the veterinary and nursing teams.
The Lead Veterinary Surgeon will have genuine influence over clinical standards, team development and operational performance, making this an excellent opportunity for a Vet looking to progress their leadership career.
Responsibilities
Provide clinical leadership across the veterinary team.
Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary medicine and surgery.
Coach, mentor and develop Veterinary Surgeons.
Maintain excellent standards of clinical care and patient welfare.
Lead clinical governance meetings and case discussions.
Conduct regular one-to-one development meetings.
Support performance management and colleague development.
Lead veterinary and wider clinical team meetings.
Promote evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical best practice.
Work collaboratively with nursing and practice leadership.
Support the implementation and development of clinical protocols.
Manage a varied medical and surgical caseload.
Review hospital KPIs and operational performance.
Contribute to reviewing and understanding P&L performance.
Support VetGDP development and mentoring where appropriate.
Help create a positive, supportive and development-focused working environment.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who:
Holds current RCVS registration.
Has a strong all-round small animal clinical skill set.
Has previous leadership, supervisory or senior clinical experience.
Is passionate about coaching and mentoring Veterinary Surgeons.
Demonstrates excellent communication with clients and colleagues.
Has experience conducting one-to-one meetings.
Is comfortable undertaking performance management.
Is confident leading staff and clinical governance meetings.
Holds a VetGDP Adviser qualification or is willing to obtain one.
Has an interest in practice management and operational performance.
Is comfortable reviewing KPIs and developing their understanding of P&L.
Enjoys managing a varied clinical caseload.
Is committed to delivering excellent patient and client care.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary, dependent on experience (from £55,000 - £80,000)
40 hours per week over 4 days
4-day working week
2 in 9 weekends
6 weeks' holiday per year
Funded CPD
RCVS and VDS fees paid
Private healthcare
Visa sponsorship available
52 weeks' sickness benefit
Contributory pension scheme
Enhanced maternity and paternity package
Employee Assistance Programme
Mental health, financial and life counselling support after 12 months' service
Staff discount
Electric car scheme
Cycle to Work scheme
Retail and lifestyle discounts
Leadership and professional development opportunities
Opportunity to influence clinical and operational standards within a 24/7 hospital
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon seeking jobs in Ellesmere Port or Cheshire who wants to combine a varied clinical caseload with meaningful leadership responsibility.
You will have the opportunity to shape clinical standards, governance and colleague development, while continuing to work hands-on as a Veterinary Surgeon within a 24/7 hospital environment.
The role also provides valuable experience across mentoring, performance management, KPIs and operational performance, providing a strong platform for continued progression within veterinary leadership.
With a 4-day week, 2 in 9 weekends, 6 weeks' holiday, private healthcare, funded CPD and visa sponsorship, the position offers an attractive combination of career development, clinical responsibility and work-life balance.
Apply Today
If you're an experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking for a Lead Vet job in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, and want to lead and develop a clinical team within a progressive 24/7 hospital environment, this could be an excellent next step.
Contact:
Ollie Lear - Talent Partner
T: 07706 346515
E: ollie@supreme-ss.com