Job description: Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Location: Village Vets Ashbourne

Reports to: Regional Director

Experience: Minimum 3 year 

Salary: Range of 60-75k + Bonus and Additional Lead Vet Supplement

Are you an experienced vet ready to take the next step in your career? Join our outstanding team at Village Vets Ashbourne as our new Lead Veterinary Surgeon and help shape the future of veterinary care in our vibrant community.

This role combines clinical excellence with inspiring leadership. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of your clinic, lead a passionate team, and deliver outstanding patient care.

Our ideal candidate we are looking for is 3 years plus experience and competent in medicine and surgical skills. Have a strong desire to work in a small animal practice, be highly motivated, hard-working, and a team player.

Our Ashbourne branch joined the Village Vets family in 2008 and we moved to our shiny new site in 2024. We’re well equipped with modern facilities including an in-house laboratory, diagnostic equipment such as x-rays, dental x-rays and ultrasonography, two large surgery theatres, four consult rooms and separate dog and cat wards. We’re passionate about fear-free techniques to help make every one of our patients’ visits as comfortable as possible.

The clinic is conveniently located in the centre of Ashbourne with free parking available all day. Our Ashbourne clinic operates as an emergency clinic from 8PM to 8AM daily, to serve both internal and external clients.

In Village Vets we strive to provide the best standard of care to our patients and the best service to our clients. We are proud to support our staff with a comprehensive CPD program and we welcome and encourage any interest in further education.

What You’ll Do

As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll play a key role in both clinical excellence and team leadership. You’ll guide and support a dedicated team of vets, nurses, and support staff while continuing to do what you love most – delivering exceptional care to pets and their people.

• Lead with purpose: Motivate and mentor your team, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and clinical excellence.
• Deliver top-tier care: Set the standard in veterinary practice, ensuring compliance with VCI regulations and promoting preventative healthcare.
• Drive performance: Own the clinic’s business plan, working with support teams to meet clinical, operational, and financial goals.
• Champion engagement: Build a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

What We’re Looking For

• MVB, DVM, or equivalent, with 3+ years’ experience
• Strong communicator and decision-maker
• Confident leader with a passion for people and pets
• Experience managing a team or P&L is a plus