Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Cheltenham Leadership Opportunity – Take charge of a fully equipped site with the support of an experienced management and clinical team or have the opportunity to drive the practice forward without the responsibility of being a Clinical Director? Independent, Vet-Led Practice – Join an RCVS-accredited group that values clinical freedom, continuity of care, and a strong team ethos Competitive Salary – Earn between £45,000 and £80,000, depending on experience, with further scope for development Funded Postgraduate Certificate – Receive full support to work towards a certificate, with bespoke in-house CPD and visiting specialists Work-Life Balance – Flexible rota patterns for the right Veterinary Surgeon. 4-day week, 1 in 5 Saturdays, no out-of-hours, and dedicated admin support to focus on clinical care Are you ready to take the next step in your veterinary career? Want to lead an independent site with the full support of an experienced and friendly team behind you? This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to shape and influence the development of a RCVS accredited branch in beautiful Cheltenham. About the Practice: Established in 1980, my client is a proudly independent, RCVS-accredited small animal practice with a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate care. Run by vets, for vets, they currently operate three thriving practices across Gloucestershire. This is a practice that prioritises clinical freedom, continuity of care, and a supportive, collaborative work environment. With advanced equipment (including a new 64-slice CT scanner), experienced clinicians, and access to visiting specialists, they are equipped to handle a wide range of complex cases in-house. About the Role: This Lead Vet role is all about clinical leadership, developing a branch, and being a key part of an already successful independent group. You’ll be supported in all administrative, HR, and operational aspects by an efficient management team – so your focus remains on delivering exceptional veterinary care and building a thriving local client base. Key Details: Full-time: 4 days/week with a fixed weekday off. Flexible rota patterns welcomed. Hours: 8:30am–7:00pm (Monday–Friday) Flexible hours welcomed. Weekends: 1 in 5 Saturdays (8:30am–5:00pm, at the main site) No OOH – covered by a dedicated emergency provider Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Facilities: Full consulting and operating capabilities on-site What’s On Offer: Opportunity to lead and grow a brand-new site with strong backing Work alongside a highly experienced clinical team including cert holders in surgery and radiology Generous CPD allowance and full support towards a postgraduate certificate Regular in-practice bespoke CPD days across a range of clinical topics State-of-the-art equipment including CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and in-house lab Supportive, team-focused culture with a strong emphasis on work-life balance A loyal and growing client base Excellent salary of between £45,000-£80,000 DOE and benefits package What We’re Looking For: A confident, compassionate Vet with experience in small animal practice Competent in routine surgery and medical cases Comfortable working autonomously while also thriving in a team Someone motivated to take ownership of their site and drive it forward A clinician who values continuity of care, clinical excellence, and client relationships This is an ideal role for someone looking to step into a leadership position and truly make their mark within a well-supported, friendly, and growing independent practice. Interested? If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead a new site and want to be part of a team that values collaboration, learning, and excellent care – I would love to hear from you. Get in touch today for an informal chat and find out if this could be the perfect next step in your veterinary career. For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Megan on or email To view all our vacancies, please visit 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-54429