Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Gillingham Vets for Pets
Up to £80,000 DOE | Flexible Working | No OOH |
We're offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Lead Veterinary Surgeon to shape the future of our thriving practice in Gillingham. This is your chance to lead with autonomy, develop your leadership skills, and build something you can truly be proud of, all within a supportive, well-resourced environment.
The Opportunity
As Lead Vet, you'll play a pivotal role in both the clinical and strategic direction of the practice.
You'll:
* Lead from the front clinically
* Mentor and support colleagues (including a new graduate)
* Drive high clinical standards and continuous improvement
* Contribute to decision-making that shapes the practice's growth
* Bring fresh ideas and implement positive change
You'll feel confident managing routine medical and surgical cases, comfortable with sole charge when required, and motivated to build a collaborative, high-performing culture. An interest in surgery is welcomed but not essential, we're keen to support your specific clinical passions.
The Role
* Full-time, 40 hours per week
* Typically 4 x 10-hour days (9am–7pm)
* 1 in 3 Saturdays (9am–6pm, with paid 1-hour lunch)
* No out-of-hours
We're open to discussing flexibility to suit the right candidate.
The Team
You'll lead a warm, close-knit and experienced team that genuinely enjoys working together:
* 3 Veterinary Surgeons (including a new graduate)
* 2 Registered Veterinary Nurses
* 6 Receptionists (first aid & mental health first aid trained)
* 1 Practice Manager
This is a collaborative team with a positive culture, strong communication, and a shared commitment to delivering outstanding patient and client care.
Facilities
Our purpose-built practice is equipped to industry-leading standards, including:
* In-house laboratory
* Digital x-ray
* Dental x-ray
* Ultrasound
* Multiparameter monitoring equipment
Located within Pets at Home, the practice benefits from excellent footfall, strong brand visibility, and a loyal client base.
Why Gillingham?
Gillingham forms part of the vibrant Medway towns in Kent, offering far more than many expect.
You'll be close to:
* The historic Rochester Castle
* The world-renowned Historic Dockyard Chatham
* Fort Amherst and rich maritime heritage
* Connections to Charles Dickens' history in nearby Rochester
* Beautiful riverside walks and green open spaces
With fast rail links to London (around 45 minutes to central London) and excellent road connections via the M2 and A2, Gillingham offers the perfect blend of affordability, convenience, and access to both coast and countryside.
Whether you enjoy historic charm, waterside living, or quick city access, Medway provides an excellent quality of life.
Career Development
Your growth matters here.
We offer:
* Generous CPD allowance
* Full certificate funding
* Active encouragement of postgraduate study
* Opportunities to develop leadership and business skills
* Clear progression pathways within a national network
As Lead Vet, you'll have genuine influence over clinical protocols, team development, and the long-term vision of the practice.
Rewards & Benefits
Alongside a salary of up to £80,000 DOE, you'll receive:
* Flexible working patterns
* Funded CPD and certificate support
* Paid professional memberships (RCVS, VDS, BVA)
* Contributory pension scheme
* Private healthcare
* UK & international relocation packages
* Visa sponsorship (A+ rated sponsor)
* Exclusive colleague discounts (up to 30% across Pets at Home, The Groom Room & The Vet Group)
* Access to wider career opportunities across the group
Why Join Gillingham Vets for Pets?
This is a leadership role that gives you the freedom to run the practice as if it were your own — backed by the investment, security, and infrastructure of a trusted veterinary group.
You'll have the autonomy to lead, the support to develop, and the balance to enjoy life outside of work.
If you're ready to step into a role where your voice is heard and your expertise shapes the future, we'd love to hear from you.
For an informal and confidential conversation, contact Jack from our Talent Acquisition team:
Or apply today and take the next exciting step in your veterinary leadership journey.
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