Head Veterinary Surgeon - Your chance to lead your team

Ref:  36569
Contracted Hours:  40
Custom Field 4: 
Job Type:  Permanent
Location: 

Swindon, ENG, NLN, SN2 2EH

Description: 

Head Veterinary Surgeon – Scunthorpe Vets for Pets

Salary up to £85,000 DOE + £5,000 Welcome / Relocation Bonus

Flexible Working | No OOH | Visa Sponsorship Available

We’re excited to offer a rare opportunity for an experienced and motivated Head Veterinary Surgeon to lead our thriving practice at Scunthorpe Vets for Pets. This is a role where your leadership will genuinely shape the future of the practice, your clinical expertise will be respected, and your professional development fully supported.

If you’re looking for a leadership position that offers autonomy, balance, and the chance to make a real impact all within a supportive, well-resourced environment. This could be the perfect next step in your career.

The Role

This position is fully flexible, with options for full-time or part-time working. Saturdays are shared fairly across the team, and there is no on-call, no out-of-hours, and no Sunday working, giving you the freedom to enjoy a healthy work–life balance.

As Head Vet, you’ll play a pivotal role in both the clinical and strategic development of the practice. You’ll be hands-on clinically while also leading, mentoring, and supporting the team, helping to set and maintain high clinical standards and contributing to key decisions that shape how the practice evolves.

You’ll feel confident managing routine medical and surgical cases, comfortable with sole charge when required, and motivated to share ideas and drive positive change. An interest in surgery would be welcomed but is by no means essential, we’re keen to support your individual clinical interests.

The Team

You’ll be leading a friendly, experienced, and highly supportive team who are genuinely passionate about delivering excellent patient and client care. The current team includes:

  • 1 Veterinary Surgeon (currently studying towards a certificate in advanced surgery)
  • 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses
  • 1 Student Veterinary Nurse
  • 1 Veterinary Care Assistant
  • 2 Client Care Advisors
  • 1 Practice Manager

This is a close-knit team with a positive culture, strong collaboration, and a shared commitment to learning and growth. We’re looking for a Head Vet who will inspire, guide, and grow alongside them.

Facilities & Location

Our purpose-built, fully air-conditioned practice is equipped with modern, high-quality facilities designed to industry-leading standards. Located within Pets at Home on Lakeside Retail Park, the practice benefits from excellent visibility, a loyal client base, and strong footfall.

Commuting is straightforward, with bus links just a five-minute walk away and a nearby train station providing easy access for those travelling from further afield.

Living in Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe offers far more than many expect. Known historically as the heart of British steel, the town has a growing cultural scene, including the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Bath Halls, and the Plowright Theatre, hosting everything from comedy and live music to large scale events.

For those who love the outdoors, Normanby Hall Country Park is nearby, offering beautiful gardens, woodland walks, and open green spaces. And when you fancy some sea air, the coast at Cleethorpes is just a short drive away. It’s an ideal location for enjoying culture, countryside, and coast without the stress of big-city living.

Career Development

Your development is a priority. We offer a generous CPD allowance, actively encourage postgraduate study, and will fully fund certificates. As Head Vet, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your own clinical and leadership skills while also shaping protocols, mentoring colleagues, and influencing the long-term direction of the practice.

Rewards & Benefits

Alongside a competitive salary of up to £85,000 DOE and a £5,000 welcome or relocation bonus, you’ll benefit from:

  • Fully flexible working patterns (full or part-time)
  • Funded CPD and certificate support
  • Paid professional memberships (RCVS, VDS, BVA)
  • Contributory pension scheme and private healthcare
  • UK and international relocation packages
  • Visa sponsorship available (A+ rated sponsor)
  • Exclusive colleague discounts (up to 30% across Pets at Home, The Groom Room, and The Vet Group)
  • Clear career progression opportunities across a national network

Why Scunthorpe Vets for Pets?

This is a leadership role that offers the independence to lead as if it were your own practice, backed by the security, investment, and support of a trusted veterinary group. You’ll join a welcoming, ambitious team in a modern practice, with the freedom to shape your role, your career, and the future of the practice all while maintaining the balance to enjoy life outside of work.

If you’re ready to take on a leadership role where your voice matters and your expertise can truly make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of Scunthorpe Vets for Pets.

If you'd like any further information about this vacancy, the practice or our company please contact Jack from our Talent Acquisition team via email; covet@vets4pets.com for an informal and confidential conversation.

Alternatively, you can submit your application directly to us now and somebody will be in touch with you to discuss this further. We look forward to hearing from you!

Location: DN16 3UA

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!

Business Unit:  Vet Group
Date:  12 Jan 2026