Branch Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Join to apply for the Branch Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal role at IVC Evidensia
Axe Valley Vets is offering an exciting opportunity for a talented veterinary surgeon to take the lead at our Weston Branch (BS23 3EF). If you're ready for increased responsibility, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of a thriving branch while keeping your clinical focus, this is the role for you.
Part of a larger network
Axe Valley Vets is proud to be part of the IVC Evidensia network. We operate with autonomy and benefit from the support of a wider veterinary group, including shared clinical expertise, advanced equipment, and a collaborative network of professionals, while maintaining the freedom to make the right decisions for our patients locally.
Supportive Team & Newley Refurbished Site
The previous owners remain involved, and our focus remains on clinical excellence and team wellbeing. Our diverse team of 10 vets includes new graduates, certificate holders, and experienced GPs in a collaborative environment where learning never stops. Our Weston branch has been refurbished and is fully equipped with an operating theatre, biochemistry and haematology lab, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and dental suite. You’ll have autonomy to work up cases with support from a brilliant wider team across our hub.
The Role: Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Branch Lead
As the Weston Branch Lead, you’ll play a key role in daily clinical operations and the ongoing development of the branch while remaining hands-on with your veterinary work.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
* Day-to-day clinical leadership of the Weston team
* Mentoring and supporting colleagues in a two-vet branch setup
* Contributing to branch growth, performance, and team culture
* Attending clinical and management meetings and contributing to strategic planning
* Collaborating with the main practice to ensure continuity and standards
* Some sole charge shifts, balanced with support from the wider team
This is a full-time position, ideally 40 hours over four days (three days at Weston and one at the main Blackford branch). We are open to flexible arrangements for the right candidate.
Out-of-Hours Commitment
* Participation in weekend and late vet rota based at the main Blackford site
* Current pattern: 1 in 8 weekends and 1 late shift every other week
* Out-of-hours care is handled externally; the late rota covers inpatients and urgent same-day cases
* Late Vet Hours: 6:30–7:00pm emergency cover, with a 10pm inpatient check if needed
About You
* Experienced GP vet with confidence in sole charge and mentoring
* Looking to step up into a leadership role with support
* Passionate about delivering excellent clinical care and supporting team development
* RCVS-registered and ready to lead at a growing branch practice
* A team player who enjoys a collaborative environment
Join Us
If you’re a veterinary surgeon looking to grow into a leadership role without stepping away from what you love, we’d love to hear from you. We value kindness, clinical freedom, and shared success.
Benefits and compensation
Salary: £0 - £67,000 per year (FTE DOE)
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
* Work-life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays; additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
* Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential helpline); enhanced family-friendly policies; colleague wellbeing initiatives
* Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata; certificate support; learning opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy; Vetlexicon access; research funding eligibility; Care Fund (£1,000 per annum); Infection Prevention and Control and Quality Improvement programmes
* Professional Memberships: BVA membership; VDS cover
* Colleague Benefits: company pension with contribution; Cycle to Work and Green Cars schemes (eligibility); voluntary benefits; retailer discounts; discounted treatment for own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
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