Job Description

Salary up to £65,000 DOE plus up to £5,000 Signing Bonus & up to £5,000 relocation Allowance

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.

Practice Highlights

Based in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Strathspey Vets offers the opportunity to work in a truly unique and beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands.

Surrounded by stunning countryside and a strong rural community you will be able to hike and bike in summer, ski in winter and enjoy water sports all year round. All within 30 minutes of Inverness International Airport.

How You’ll Make a Difference

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 as part of 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.

Key Responsibilities

This is a mixed vet position with a bias towards Large/Farm animal. This is an ideal opportunity for a senior large animal clinician looking to lead with purpose, influence clinical standards, and be part of a progressive, forward-thinking practice in an exceptional location. This is a great opportunity to grow and develop the farm business, further develop existing and new client relationships and be an integral part of the practices future.

As an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will provide strong clinical leadership to 6 vets across the large animal side of our business and help drive excellence in patient care.

This is a senior role with responsibility for overseeing all clinical aspects of large animal services, ensuring the highest standards of veterinary care are delivered in line with RCVS guidance and IVC Evidensia clinical policies.

The rota is a 40-hour week over 4 or 5 days to suit you with 1:4 weekend on call including Saturday morning consults. You will have nurse support during the on-call shift.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

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, including 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

How We’ll Support You

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 & 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

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.8 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.