A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our team at Easipetcare Derby, part of inspiring vet care. With an exciting transformation ahead, the practice will be rebranded this July as Dovedale House, as part of the wider inspire vet care network rebrand. This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role at a pivotal moment and play a key part in shaping the future identity, culture, and clinical direction of the practice
Inspiring vet care is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At inspiring vet care, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
In this role, you will lead, mentor, and inspire the clinical team, supporting vets and nurses as they build their skills and confidence. You will take oversight of complex cases, provide second opinions, and ensure the highest standards of patient care, while promoting clinical excellence through audits, protocols, and evidence-based best practice.
You will play a key role in maintaining robust clinical governance, ensuring full compliance with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia standards. Working closely with our newly appointed Director of practice Laura McKechnie, you will support service development, implement improvements, and contribute to the continued growth of the practice. You will also cultivate a positive and engaged team culture that values collaboration, learning, and development, actively supporting CPD and career progression to help every team member reach their full potential.
This is a full-time position working either a 38 or 40 hour week, we’re happy to offer flexibility with either a four day week working 38 hours per week or five-day week working 40 hours per week, depending on what suits you best. The role also includes a requirement to work one in three Saturday mornings (9:00am–12:00pm), with time off in lieu provided.
We are a close-knit team that prides itself on being supportive, positive, and collaborative. Our current team includes the Practice Director, one Veterinary Surgeon, three Registered Veterinary Nurses, one Student Veterinary Nurse, one Veterinary Care Assistant, and four Receptionists. As we continue to grow, this role offers the opportunity to play an active part in shaping and developing the team as the practice evolves. The practice is equipped with standard surgical and diagnostic equipment including radiography, ultrasound, in-house Idexx laboratory facilities, dental equipment and multiparameter monitoring. We also have access to external laboratory testing via Idexx. Later in the year, we also plan to introduce dental radiography.
Living in Derby has many benefits. It is a friendly city with good schools, parks, and shops. There are plenty of jobs, especially in engineering and business. Derby also has good transport links, so it is easy to travel to other cities. It is a nice place to live because it is safe, affordable, and has something for everyone.
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, with advanced surgical and medical capability
- Proven experience in 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 IVC Evidensia, 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 & 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 & 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.
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.
