Lead Veterinary Surgeon Littlehampton, West Sussex
VetSeekers
Lead Veterinary Surgeon Littlehampton, West Sussex
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to step into a Lead Vet role within a well-equipped coastal practice in Littlehampton, West Sussex. This position offers genuine clinical leadership, autonomy and the chance to shape the future direction of a well-established practice, supported by a strong management and clinical network.
Key Highlights
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Salary up to £75,000 FTE per annum.
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Permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week).
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Clinical leadership role with strategic influence.
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Well-equipped practice with advanced diagnostics.
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Coastal location with excellent lifestyle benefits.
Key Details
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Role: Lead Veterinary Surgeon.
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Contract: Permanent.
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Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex.
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Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
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Salary: Up to £75,000 FTE per annum.
The Practice
This friendly and welcoming practice offers a genuine team-focused environment with a relaxed, family feel. A large garden space, including a dedicated wildlife unit, provides a unique and calming setting for both staff and clients.
The clinic is fully equipped to a high standard, including:
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Three consulting rooms.
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Dedicated prep room and theatre.
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Digital x-ray and ultrasound.
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ECG, endoscopy and rhinoscopy.
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Slit lamp, suction and pulse oximetry.
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Recently upgraded in-house laboratory.
You will also benefit from access to wider clinical support and development opportunities across a broader veterinary network.
The Location
Located on the Sussex coast, Littlehampton offers an outstanding work-life balance with easy access to the beach and the South Downs National Park. Nearby highlights include the historic town of Arundel and local vineyards, making this an ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors, culture and community living.
The Role
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will take responsibility for the clinical leadership of the practice, ensuring the highest standards of patient care, client experience and regulatory compliance. You will work closely with the Practice Manager to support the commercial performance and ongoing development of the clinic.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
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Lead and mentor the veterinary team with clear development plans.
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Promote best clinical practice within the practice and wider network.
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Support and mentor graduate vets within the clinic.
Patient Care
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Deliver high-quality consultations and surgical procedures.
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Oversee patient admissions, monitoring and discharges.
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Ensure accurate clinical records and effective handovers.
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Prescribe and dispense medications in line with best practice.
Client Care
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Deliver exceptional client communication and continuity of care.
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Manage client concerns and complaints professionally.
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Ensure clear updates for inpatients and out-of-hours transfers.
Standards & Compliance
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Ensure compliance with regulatory, operational and clinical standards.
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Maintain health and safety compliance across the practice.
Commercial Performance
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Work closely with the Practice Manager to drive clinic performance.
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Understand and influence KPIs, clinical utilisation and revenue growth.
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Prepare accurate estimates and support effective debt management.
About You
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RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon.
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Minimum of three years' UK clinical experience.
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Confident in clinical leadership and decision-making.
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Strong communicator with a client-focused approach.
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Passionate about delivering high clinical and commercial standards.
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Experienced in mentoring, coaching and developing teams.
What's On Offer
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Competitive salary up to £75,000 FTE.
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Strong clinical and operational support.
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Opportunities for leadership development and career progression.
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Coastal lifestyle with excellent outdoor and leisure opportunities.
If you would like further information about this Lead Veterinary Surgeon role in Littlehampton, West Sussex, or would like to arrange a confidential and informal discussion, please get in touch.
Must Haves
- RCVS Registered (or soon to be)
- Possess the right to work in the United Kingdom
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
What Happens Next?
CLICK APPLY NOW or if you have any questions before applying, or if this role isn't quite right for you, feel free to contact the Vet Seekers team to chat through your veterinary career aspirations in confidence.
Quote job reference: 26-00332
📞 T: 0333 014 7374
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Why Choose Vet Seekers?
Founded in 2016, Vet Seekers is a multi-award-winning specialist veterinary recruitment agency (2019–2025), acting as both an employment business and employment agency for locum and permanent veterinary roles across the UK and overseas.
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Thanks from all of us at Vet Seekers – we look forward to supporting you!

