Job Description

Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Independent Small Animal Practice

Salary: £70,000 – £95,000 DOE + Additional OOH Payments
�� Southampton | Full Time or Part Time | Flexible Working Available

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join a modern, rapidly growing independent small animal practice in Southampton. Opened just one year ago, the practice has already established a strong local reputation, registering approximately 50 new clients every two weeks and continuing to expand.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely alongside the practice owner to help shape and drive the future of the practice, making it ideal for an ambitious Veterinary Surgeon seeking genuine clinical freedom, leadership opportunities, and long-term career progression within an independent environment.

The Role

The successful candidate will join a supportive and highly skilled veterinary team within a well-equipped, forward-thinking practice committed to delivering exceptional patient care.

The practice is looking to grow into a 4–5 Veterinary Surgeon team and is seeking a confident clinician who enjoys collaboration, high clinical standards, and helping mentor and develop others.

Flexible working patterns are available, including:

• Full-time or part-time hours
• 4-day working week
• Longer working days or later start times considered
• Opening hours: 8:30am – 6:30pm

State-of-the-Art Facilities & Equipment

This independent practice has invested heavily in advanced veterinary technology and facilities, including:

• Dedicated in-house laboratory with advanced diagnostic machines used in reference laboratories
• High-definition trinocular microscope
• Digital radiography suite providing high-quality diagnostic imaging
• SonoScape ProPet 70 ultrasound machine with five probes supporting:
  • Abdominal imaging
  • Cardiac imaging
  • Musculoskeletal imaging
  • Ocular assessments
• Visiting cardiologist and orthopaedic surgeon regularly attending the practice
• New endoscope arriving soon
• Dental X-ray equipment being added
• State-of-the-art operating theatre designed to the highest patient safety standards
• Dedicated dental theatre with:
  • Dental unit
  • Scaler
  • High-quality dental instrumentation
• Soundproof feline kennels to enhance patient comfort and reduce stress

The Team

The successful candidate will work alongside an experienced and passionate veterinary team, including:

• A certificate holder in Small Animal Surgery
• A Veterinary Surgeon currently completing a postgraduate certificate in Small Animal Surgery
• A Head Nurse holding:
  • Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Emergency & Critical Care)
  • Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (Emergency & Critical Care)
• An RVN qualified in Vets Now Emergency & Critical Care

As an independent practice free from corporate influence, the team is driven by a genuine passion for animal care and building long-lasting relationships with clients and their pets. Every treatment plan is tailored individually, and patient welfare remains at the heart of everything they do.

Benefits

• Excellent salary from £70,000 – £95,000 DOE
• Additional out-of-hours payments
• 4-day working week
• Flexible rota patterns
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Generous CPD allowance
• Full support for certificates and clinical interests
• RCVS fees paid
• Professional memberships paid
• Pension scheme
• Genuine clinical freedom
• Opportunity to help shape and grow an independent veterinary practice
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

About Southampton

Located on the South Coast, Southampton offers an excellent quality of life and strong work-life balance. The city combines vibrant urban living with easy access to the New Forest, stunning coastline, and beautiful countryside.

With excellent transport links to London, a thriving social scene, extensive green spaces, and rich maritime history, Southampton is one of the UK’s most desirable locations for veterinary professionals seeking both career progression and lifestyle benefits.

Apply Now

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking to take the next step into a Lead Veterinary Surgeon role within a progressive, independent practice where their ideas, clinical expertise, and leadership will genuinely make an impact.

For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Megan on 01904 570056 or email m.pinder@purovets.com

You can also WhatsApp us at WhatsApp - Purovets and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our great opportunities.  

To view all our vacancies, please visit https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/ 

And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250* for every successful candidate referral. *Terms and conditions apply.

Ref no: JOB-58264