Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Job Title: Lead Veterinary Surgeon (Certificate Holder)
Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum (Depending on experience) + Up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus (direct applicants)
Location: Kings Veterinary Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Hours: 4 day week, 8am–6pm or 8.30am–6.30pm, with a 1:5 weekend rota and protected leadership time

Lead Veterinarian – Melton Mowbray (State-of-the-Art Hospital with CT)

We’re seeking a Lead Veterinarian to partner with our Clinical Director in maintaining clinical excellence, supporting team growth, and driving the ongoing success of our thriving small animal hospital.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our purpose-built, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, equipped with advanced facilities including CT, and play a key leadership role within an ambitious and progressive team. For those with aspirations to progress further, there is a clear development pathway towards a future Clinical Director position.

Why Join Us?

This isn’t just another vet role — it’s a genuine chance to lead, influence, and shape the future of a progressive veterinary hospital.

As our Lead Vet, you’ll:

• Step into a modern, purpose-built hospital with cutting-edge facilities, including CT, and an experienced, stable clinical team already in place.
• Lead with purpose, making meaningful decisions that elevate patient care, inspire your team, and set new standards of excellence.
• Enjoy a varied caseload, from routine procedures to complex referral-level work, supporting your continued clinical development.
• Work alongside a collaborative, friendly team that values mentorship, communication, and continuous learning.
• Access leadership development, CPD support, and the freedom to explore and grow your own clinical interests.
• Benefit from the support of a highly skilled nursing team and a robust administrative structure (HR, finance, and Health & Safety), allowing you to focus on what you do best — veterinary leadership and clinical care.
• Develop your leadership career with the opportunity to progress into a Clinical Director role, should this align with your long-term aspirations.

The Role

As Lead Small Animal Vet, you’ll oversee the day-to-day clinical caseload and support the operational success of our hospital, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional, bespoke, and affordable care rooted in best-practice veterinary medicine.

You’ll play a pivotal role in:

• Leading and mentoring colleagues, including graduate vets, fostering a positive and supportive culture.
• Supporting the continued growth and development of our recently opened veterinary hospital.
• Contributing to the strategic growth of the practice as part of our senior leadership team.
• Working closely with the Clinical Director, with opportunities to take on increasing leadership responsibilities and develop towards a Clinical Director role if desired.
• Representing our values and commitment to clinical excellence within the wider Linnaeus network.

Previous leadership experience is essential, and due to PSS Hospital status requirements, you must hold a postgraduate certificate. We actively encourage further qualifications — we already have six certificate holders across our business, including Advanced Practitioners in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery.

Work-Life Balance

We offer a four-day week, with protected administration time built into your schedule. We understand that balance is vital — our diary always accommodates important commitments, family events, and emergencies.

There will be no on-call commitment with this position; however, the weekend and bank holiday daytime rota is shared equally amongst the team.

What we’re looking for

• A confident individual who can provide clinical leadership and support the veterinary team, promoting high standards of care and client service.
• You will be a Certificate Holder as a minimum requirement.
• Help drive clinical governance and ensure compliance with practice protocols.
• Collaborate with the Practice Manager and Clinical Director on rota planning, team wellbeing, and operational performance.
• Someone who enjoys supporting others, building team culture, and leading with empathy and clarity.
• Strong clinical decision-making abilities, able to interpret diagnostics and make informed decisions.
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and remains calm under pressure.
• A confident, collaborative attitude that helps maintain a positive team culture and excellent client relationships.