Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal (Unicorn Vets | Southampton, Hampshire)
Salary up to £88,500 DOE and a relocation allowance of up to £5,000.
Responsibilities
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and delivering outstanding patient and client care. You will provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision‑making. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you will support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and working practices.
Key duties include:
* Full‑time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days with a mix of early and late shifts.
* 1:6 Saturday morning rota (8:30 am–12:30 pm) with no out‑of‑hours or on‑call requirements.
* Part‑time applications also welcomed.
* Operate primarily across the Bassett and Fair Oak branches, collaborating with the wider Orchard Vets group.
Qualifications
* Veterinary degree and RCVS registration.
* Significant experience in small or mixed animal practice with advanced surgical and medical capability.
* Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues.
* Strong leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills.
* Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
* Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.
* Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care.
Support & Development
* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles.
* Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role‑relevant courses.
* £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
* Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks.
* Support to develop clinical interests and expand capabilities.
* A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.
Benefits
* 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays.
* Private medical insurance.
* Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy.
* BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees.
* Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies).
* Retail discounts and cashback offers.
* Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets.
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