Linnaeus
Lead Veterinary Surgeon
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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.
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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.
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What We Offer
- 5-weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
- Relocation support
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Generous staff discount scheme
- Life assurance
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Extensive internal and funded external CPD
About Us
Kings Veterinary Centre is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.
At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.
We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
If you would like to apply for this position or would simply like to discuss it in more detail, please contact Lissa.semerdak@linnaeusgroup.co.uk or complete the application form below.
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