Veterinary surgeon team leader - gillingham

Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader

Location: Gillingham
Salary: £60,700 – £62,500 (including allowances)
Contract: 37.5 hours per week
Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (12 Months)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader to join a highly collaborative and well‑equipped veterinary hospital in Gillingham. This role is ideal for an experienced small animal veterinary surgeon with a passion for clinical leadership, a surgically biased caseload, and delivering exceptional patient care.

This is an opportunity to lead a dedicated veterinary team within a respected animal welfare organisation committed to keeping pets and owners together during difficult times.

About the Organisation

For more than 100 years, the organisation has provided essential veterinary care to pets belonging to owners experiencing financial hardship. With ambitious plans to expand services and support more communities, the organisation is seeking passionate veterinary professionals who are committed to making a meaningful difference.

The Role: Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader

The Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader will take responsibility for clinical governance within the hospital and lead a team of Veterinary Surgeons to deliver an efficient, professional, and compassionate veterinary service to pets and owners in the local community.

This position is particularly suited to a Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys a surgically focused caseload and takes a practical, evidence‑based approach to clinical decision‑making. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their surgical leadership skills while working in a supportive environment that values collaboration, clear communication, and pragmatic veterinary medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting the Veterinary Surgeon team to deliver high‑quality clinical care
• Maintaining responsibility for clinical governance and veterinary standards within the hospital
• Managing all aspects of team leadership, including recruitment, onboarding, coaching, mentoring, and professional development
• Supporting colleagues through knowledge sharing and leading by example in clinical practice
• Building strong relationships with clients and communicating effectively with pet owners from diverse backgrounds
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes for patients and owners

About the Hospital

The Gillingham veterinary hospital is recognised for its collaborative culture, strong teamwork, and commitment to shared learning. Veterinary professionals benefit from working alongside colleagues with diverse clinical interests, creating an environment that encourages case discussion, professional development, and evidence‑based treatment planning.

The hospital is modern and fully equipped, featuring:

• Separate dog and cat kennelling facilities
• In‑house radiography
• Ultrasound and endoscopy equipment
• Piped gases
• Extensive orthopaedic surgical equipment

Candidate Profile

• A qualified Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS
• Experienced in small animal veterinary practice
• Comfortable managing a surgically biased caseload
• Confident in clinical leadership and team management
• Passionate about mentoring and developing veterinary colleagues
• A collaborative communicator with a practical, patient‑focused approach to care

Salary and Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career with genuine purpose, the successful candidate will receive an excellent benefits package designed to support wellbeing, professional growth, and work‑life balance.

• Salary of £60,700 – £62,500 (inclusive of allowances)
• Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
• CPD allowance: 5 days and £1,000 annually for professional development
• Full payment of RCVS fees
• Access to extensive internal CPD programmes and discounted attendance at BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to five additional days
• Three additional paid wellbeing days annually: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day, and Wellbeing Day
• Generous pension contributions, starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Life assurance worth four times annual salary
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover
• Retail, travel, and lifestyle discounts through the employee benefits platform
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• 10% discount on pet insurance and access to staff veterinary services

Ref no: JOB-58435