Lead Veterinary Surgeon (Full-Time) - Essex


Salary
Competitive
Company
JR Veterinary
Contact
Janko Salzwedel
Essex, United Kingdom
Permanent | 4-Day Week | Clinical Leadership Role | Flexible Work-Life Balance
We are currently working on behalf of a reputable, well-established veterinary practice looking to recruit an experienced and confident Lead Veterinary Surgeon. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is either already in a leadership role or ready to step up and take clinical ownership in a supportive and well-equipped environment.
The practice is known for its longstanding and loyal client base, with a dedicated team of nurses, patient care assistants, and a welcoming front-of-house. With a modern clinical setup including digital X-ray, ultrasound, in-house lab, and multiple consulting and surgical rooms, you’ll have everything you need to deliver gold-standard care.
This role will allow the successful candidate to shape the future of the clinic, both clinically and commercially. You’ll work closely with a Practice Manager to drive operational success and maintain the highest standards of patient care.
🩺 About the Role:
- Full-time, permanent role
- 4-day working week
- 1 in 6 weekends (flexible working options available)
- No out-of-hours
- Clinical leadership with influence over practice direction
- Support for those stepping into a leadership role for the first time
💼 Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the clinical team and deliver exceptional patient and client care
- Set and uphold high standards of compliance and clinical excellence
- Coach and mentor junior team members
- Collaborate with the Practice Manager to ensure strong commercial performance
- Support the development of clinical protocols and team best practices
- Prepare tailored treatment and care plans with clear communication and costing
- Contribute to the wider regional clinical network and share knowledge
🧠 What We’re Looking For:
- RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon
- Strong background in small animal general practice
- Excellent clinical and surgical skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor a clinical team
- Strong communication and team collaboration
- Interest in continuous improvement and clinical development
- Understanding of the value of nurse consults and Schedule 3 procedures
🎁 What’s on Offer:
- Salary dependent on experience (competitive)
- 5 weeks’ holiday + bank holidays (rising with service)
- Additional “Day for You” (extra paid day off)
- Private medical insurance
- Health cash plan with 24/7 private GP access
- Life assurance (3x salary)
- Funded CPD (3 days)
- Certificate support and internal CPD opportunities
- Paid professional fees (RCVS, VDS, BVA)
- Cycle to Work and Season Ticket Loan schemes
- Retail discounts and employee benefits
- Visa sponsorship and relocation support available if required
This is a truly exciting opportunity for a Vet looking to make a real impact within a collaborative, growing, and well-supported environment. Whether you’re ready for leadership or looking to develop into it, this role offers the support, autonomy, and clinical freedom to thrive.
📩 To find out more or to apply, contact the JR Veterinary team at:
📞 01392 719887
Tel: 01392719887
Address:
Essex, United Kingdom