Lead Veterinary Surgeon (Certificate Holder) – Melton Mowbray
4-day week | New state-of-the-art hospital opening April 2026 | Genuine clinical leadership
If you are ready to lead without burning out
If you are an experienced veterinary surgeon who enjoys leading others but feels frustrated by limited influence, stretched resources, or leadership in name only, this role is worth your time. This is about having the space, trust, and backing to lead properly, clinically and culturally.
The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established small animal practice in Melton Mowbray, that is about to take a major step forward. In April 2026, the team will move into a brand-new, purpose-built veterinary hospital, complete with CT and advanced diagnostic capability.
They are looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to work alongside the Clinical Director as a true partner. This is not a stopgap role or a placeholder title. You will help shape how the hospital runs, how medicine is practiced, and how the team grows as they transition into this next chapter.
The clinical team is already experienced and stable, with strong nursing support and an established client base. What they want now is a confident, thoughtful clinical leader who enjoys mentoring, values high standards, and wants to leave a lasting mark on a hospital from day one.
Why This Role Is Different
A hospital built for proper medicine
This is a move into a modern hospital environment with advanced imaging, excellent facilities, and the space to manage complex cases properly. The caseload is varied and interesting, without pressure to rush or compromise standards.
Leadership with real influence
You will have protected leadership and administration time built into your week. Decisions around clinical standards, mentoring, and service development are genuinely shared with the senior leadership team.
A team that wants to be led, not managed
You will be supported by an experienced nursing team and fellow vets who value guidance, collaboration, and calm leadership. Graduate support and mentorship are a key part of the role.
No on-call, realistic rotas
There is no on-call commitment. Weekends and bank holidays are shared fairly on a 1:5 rota, with wellbeing and sustainability taken seriously.
Your Journey Here
In your first month, you will focus on getting to know the team, understanding how the practice currently operates, and building trust ahead of the hospital transition.
By three months, you will be confidently leading the clinical caseload, supporting colleagues with complex decision-making, and contributing to planning for the new hospital environment.
By six months, you will be fully established as a clinical leader, shaping protocols, mentoring vets, and influencing the future direction of the hospital as part of the senior leadership team.
What’s On Offer
Pay, time, and balance
- Salary up to £75,000, depending on experience
- 4-day week with consistent shifts
- 5 weeks holiday, plus bank holidays and birthday leave
- Protected leadership and admin time
Professional support and development
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Extensive funded CPD, including support for further qualifications
- A culture that actively encourages clinical interests and progression
The wider package
- Relocation support
- Employer pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Generous staff discount scheme
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
The Candor Vets Difference
At Candor Vets, we do things differently. We focus on fit, honesty, and long-term satisfaction, not pressure or quick placements.
Ready to Explore?
If this sounds like the kind of leadership role where you could genuinely do your best work, let’s have a confidential, no-pressure conversation.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £75,000.00 per year
Licence/Certification:
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: LVS001
