Lead/Head Veterinary Surgeon

Vets for Pets; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Dental/medical insurance after probab.

Pension scheme

Visa sponsorship for right candidate

Free parking

Job summary

Vets for Pets Thurrock, located at Lakeside Retail Park, RM20 3LP, seeks a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join a busy, supportive team. The role offers full-time (40/41 hrs) with flexibility for part-time options, 1:4 weekend rota, and no out-of-hours work.

Certificates in small animal medicine are welcomed, with mentorship for career progression. The practice numbers 3 vets, RVNs, SVNs, a practice manager and directors, and provides modern equipment, ongoing training, and the potential for visa

Qualifications

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon.
• Ideally 3+ years UK experience in small animal practice; confident with routine surgical procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and a caring, team-player approach.
• Certificate holders or those working towards one are encouraged.

Skills

RCVS-registered Veterinarian

UK small animal experience

Excellent communication

Team player

Interest in internal medicine

Leadership potential

Job description

Lead / Head Veterinary Surgeon – Vets for Pets Thurrock

Lakeside Retail Park, RM20 3LP

Are you a passionate and dedicated Veterinary Surgeon looking for flexibility, clinical variety, and a supportive team?

Our thriving small animal practice in Thurrock is seeking a Full-Time Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, forward-thinking team.

About Us

Located within Pets at Home, Lakeside Retail Park, we are a purpose-built, modern, and progressive practice equipped with:

• Digital X-ray and dental X-ray facilities
• Flexible endoscopes for bronchoscopy, gastroendoscopy, and colonoscopy
• Access to a CT scanner
• Orthopaedic kit for cruciate and patella luxation repairs (including TPLO), frature repairs etc.
• Multi-parameter monitors, nerve locator, drip pumps, and CRI systems
• A strong focus on modern anaesthesia and pain management

We’re also excited to offer following services:

• Laparoscopic spays
• Laser therapy treatments
• Pet travel certification services

Our Clinical Director, with over 18 years of UK experience, with post graduate certificate in small animal surgery and advanced small animal orthopaedics, is passionate about mentoring and has successfully guided numerous vets through their professional development.

We are a proud VetGDP training practice, committed to supporting growth, confidence, and long-term career satisfaction.

You’ll be working alongside a fantastic team made up of 3 vets, a clinical director, 3 RVNs, 3 SVNs, practice manager, practice director, reception manager and 4 client care advisors.

We also have both Practice Directors (Clinical and Management) on-site.

We value compassion, clinical excellence, and teamwork — all within a supportive and friendly environment.

The Role

• Ideally looking for a full-time - working 40/41 hours a week
• Can consider full or part time hours - flexibility on working hours
• 1:4 weekends (Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10:30am–4:30pm)
• Bank holiday working on rota basis but no OOHs
• Keen interest internal medicine desirable
• Experienced vet progression into higher role

What We’re Looking For

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Ideally a minimum 3 years' UK experience in small animal practice, (confident with routine surgical procedures)
• Excellent communication skills and a caring, team-player approach
• Passionate about animal welfare and contexualised patient care
• Certificate holders or those working towards one are highly encouraged

What We Offer

• Competitive salary up to £70,000 (dependant on experience)
• 20% discount at the Vet Group, Pets at Home and the Groom Room
• Private healthcare and medical insurance after completion of probationary period.
• Access to discounts and cashbacks
• In-house career development opportunities
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Free car parking
• Can support with costs of visa / sponsorship for the right candidate

Location: RM20 3LP

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference.

We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People.

Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities.

Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!