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.
For over a decade, Portchester Vets has been a trusted part of the local community, providing compassionate care to pets and their owners. Situated just a short walk from the high street, the practice is known for its welcoming atmosphere, loyal client base and strong, lasting relationships. We are now seeking a confident and experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our close-knit team and help shape the future of the practice.
The caseload is predominantly cats and dogs, with the occasional rabbit, offering a balanced mix of consultations and surgery. While much of the work is routine, you’ll have the clinical freedom to fully work up cases using excellent diagnostic equipment, including digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, K-Laser and an in-house IDEXX laboratory.
Established links with nearby practices provide referral support when needed, while some sole charge responsibility makes this an ideal role for a vet who thrives on autonomy and sound clinical judgement.
Housed in a charming converted building, the practice has a warm, homely feel and is well equipped with a dedicated lab, X-ray suite, office space and comfortable staff facilities, alongside convenient on-site parking.
You’ll be supported by a skilled and proactive nursing team and join a friendly group comprising another vet, four RVNs, two SVNs and a dedicated client care team, with additional locum and specialist support available when required.
- Established and trusted local practice with over 10 years of community presence
- Balanced mix of consultations and surgery
- Clinical freedom to work up cases with excellent diagnostic support
- Digital and dental radiography
- Ultrasound, endoscopy and K-Laser facilities
- Fully equipped in-house IDEXX laboratory
- Referral support available through established local practice links
- Charming converted practice building with dedicated staff facilities and on-site parking
- Supportive team including 4 RVNs, 2 SVNs and dedicated client care colleagues
- Additional locum and specialist support available when required
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care.
You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes and ways of working.
Working Pattern
- Full-time position working 38 hours across four days
- 1 in 3 Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 12:00pm
- No out-of-hours or on-call commitments
- Part-time applications also welcome
You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You’ll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS, with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice and advanced surgical and medical capability
- Proven experience mentoring, coaching and supporting veterinary colleagues
- Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills
- Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits and quality improvement initiatives
- The ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
- Professionalism, integrity and a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care
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 and 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
- 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 and 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 up to £80,000 DOE
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
