Lead a purpose-driven team | Shape clinical standards | 4-day week with real balance
Feeling ready to lead, but not at the cost of your values?
If you have reached the point where you want to guide a team, influence standards, and still feel proud of the care you are delivering, this could be the step that finally aligns leadership with purpose.
The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established, purpose-driven veterinary organisation in Birkenhead, that exists for a simple but powerful reason: making quality care accessible to pets who need it most. This is not about maximising profit. It is about reinvesting into people, patients, and doing the job properly.
They are looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys developing others as much as they enjoy clinical work. Someone who can bring clarity, consistency, and calm leadership to a team of vets, while nurturing a culture where people feel supported rather than stretched.
You will work closely with a Practice Manager and Lead Nurse, forming a leadership trio that genuinely shares responsibility. This is a role where your voice matters, particularly when it comes to clinical standards, team development, and how the practice evolves.
Why This Role Is Different
A Mission You Can Stand Behind
This is a Community Interest Company, meaning profits are reinvested into the team and patient care. Decisions are driven by impact, not margins.
Leadership That Is Shared, Not Isolated
You will not be left to carry responsibility alone. You will collaborate daily with experienced operational and nursing leaders to guide the clinic.
A Culture Built on Coaching, Not Criticism
Your role is to mentor and support, not micromanage. Clinical standards are achieved through development, not pressure.
A Structured, Sustainable Week
- 4-day week, 38 hours
- 10-hour days between 8am and 7pm
- 1 in 9 Saturdays
- This is designed to be manageable long term, not just on paper
Real Input Into Performance and Direction
You will be involved in reviewing KPIs and P&L, giving you genuine influence over how the clinic performs and grows.
Your Journey Here
In Your First Month
You will focus on understanding the team, building trust, and getting to grips with how the clinic operates day to day. You will begin supporting vets through informal coaching and clinical discussions.
By 3 Months
You will be confidently leading clinical governance and team meetings, running 1 to 1s, and contributing to performance discussions. Your leadership style will start shaping the team culture.
By 6 Months
You will be fully embedded as the clinical leader, driving standards, mentoring vets, and influencing both clinical and operational direction. You will also be exploring further development such as VetGDP or leadership progression.
What’s On Offer
Compensation and Time Off
- Salary up to £73,544 FTE
- 6 weeks holiday
- 4-day working week
- Predictable rota with minimal weekend commitment
Professional Development
- CPD funding available
- Support to obtain VetGDP qualification
- Opportunities to develop leadership and business skills
Comprehensive Benefits
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Private healthcare and 52 weeks sickness benefit
- Enhanced maternity and paternity package
- Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support
- Cycle to Work and Electric Car schemes
- Staff discounts and Vivup benefits platform
- Contributory pension
- Visa sponsorship available
The Candor Vets Difference
At Candor Vets, we focus on finding the right fit, not just filling a role. That means listening properly, understanding what matters to you, and giving you the space to decide without pressure.
Ready to Explore?
If this sounds like the kind of leadership role where you can make a genuine impact without losing balance, let’s have a confidential, no-pressure conversation.
Job Reference LVS012