Branch Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

OverviewAre you a confident veterinary surgeon looking to take the next step in your career—without jumping straight into a Clinical Director role? At Axe Valley Vets, we’re offering an exciting opportunity for a talented vet to take the lead at our newly refurbished 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. While we operate with autonomy, we benefit from the support of a wider veterinary group. This gives our team access to shared clinical expertise, advanced equipment, and a collaborative network of professionals—all while maintaining the freedom to make the right decisions for our patients locally.

Supportive Team and Newly Refurbished Site

The previous owners are still very much involved, and our focus remains firmly on clinical excellence and team wellbeing. With a diverse team of 10 vets, including new graduates, certificate holders, and experienced GPs we foster a supportive, collaborative environment where learning never stops.

Our Weston branch has recently been refurbished and is fully equipped with everything you need: an operating theatre, lab (biochemistry and haematology), digital X-ray, ultrasound, and dental suite. You’ll have the autonomy to work up your cases with the backup of a brilliant and experienced wider team across our hub.

The Role: Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Branch Lead

As the Weston Branch Lead, you’ll play a key role in the daily clinical operations and ongoing development of the branch while remaining hands-on with your veterinary work.

Responsibilities

Day-to-day clinical leadership of the Weston team

Mentoring and supporting colleagues — being a positive influence in a two vet branch setup

Playing an active role in branch growth, performance, and team culture

Attending clinical and management meetings and contributing to strategic planning

Collaborating closely 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. With three days at Weston and one at the main Blackford branch. However, we’re open to flexible arrangements for the right candidate.

Out-of-Hours Commitment

Participation in our weekend and late vet rota based at our main Blackford site

Current pattern: 1 in 8 weekends and 1 late shift every other week

Out-of-hours care is handled externally, our late rota covers only 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 take the reins at a growing branch practice

A team player who enjoys a collaborative environment

Join UsIf you’re a veterinary surgeon looking to grow into a leadership role without stepping away from what you love most, we’d love to hear from you! Come join a team that values kindness, clinical freedom, and shared success.

Because our employee’s matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

Benefits

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, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay

Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing

Development

£1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata

Certificate support

Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy

Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider

All our Vets and Nurses can apply for research funding

All our Vets get £1000 per annum to spend via our Care Fund

Infection Prevention and Control Programme

Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

BVA membership

VDS cover

Colleague Benefits

Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well

Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria

Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you

Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Salary up to £67,000 FTE ..... full job details .....