Veterinary Surgeon

Prospect Health; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Certificate support

Central CPD access

ISFM membership

RCVS Knowledge Library subscription

Private health insurance

Life insurance

Pet care discount

Job summary

Prospect Health is recruiting a Veterinary Surgeon for an independent small animal practice in the Southend-on-Sea area. The role offers four-day weeks, a varied caseload and a collaborative team focused on high-quality, compassionate care.

You will develop clinical interests within a supportive environment that values staff input and continuous professional development. Relocation support is available where needed.

Qualifications

• Ideally at least one year of experience in small animal general practice.
• Confident with routine surgical procedures.
• A genuine commitment to high standards of patient and client care.
• Good communication skills and a calm, approachable manner.
• Enjoyment of collaborative working and sharing clinical knowledge.
• An interest in developing your skills and contributing to the wider practice team.
• The practice supports ongoing development toward certificates; non-clinical development is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Involved in a varied first-opinion caseload and develop your clinical interests.
• Team values knowledge sharing and case discussion.
• Opportunities to contribute ideas and influence how the practice operates.
• Regular team meetings to suggest improvements and shape future developments.
• Out-of-hours and overnight inpatient care are provided by a local 24-hour veterinary hospital.

Skills

Good communication skills

Team collaboration

Calm, approachable demeanor

Willingness to share knowledge

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon

Are you looking to join an independent small animal practice where clinical freedom, teamwork and a healthy work-life balance are genuinely valued?

An opportunity has arisen for a Veterinary Surgeon to join a friendly, close-knit team at an established independent practice in the Southend-on-Sea area. The practice is looking to expand its veterinary team, offering the successful candidate the chance to become part of a supportive environment where everyone has a voice in shaping the future of the business.

This is an excellent opportunity for a vet who enjoys general practice, values collaborative working and wants to develop their clinical interests within a team that takes pride in providing compassionate, high-quality care.

The Role

You will be involved in a varied first-opinion caseload, with the opportunity to develop your clinical interests and contribute to the continued development of the practice.

The team places great importance on sharing knowledge, discussing cases and supporting one another. Whether you need a second opinion, another perspective on diagnostic results or simply someone to talk through a case with, colleagues are always happy to help.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute ideas and influence how the practice operates, with regular team meetings providing a forum for everyone to suggest improvements and shape future developments.

The Team and Practice Environment

You will be joining an established, independent practice with a friendly and collaborative team comprising experienced veterinary surgeons, five Registered Veterinary Nurses and a dedicated reception and administrative team.

The vets bring a range of clinical interests and experience, including internal medicine, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, surgery and exotic animal medicine.

As an independent practice, the team has the freedom to make decisions about equipment, suppliers, medicines and clinical services. This creates an environment where your opinions are valued and you can have a genuine influence on the direction of the practice.

The focus is on providing excellent patient care while maintaining an approachable, supportive atmosphere for both colleagues and clients.

Working Pattern

• Four-day working week, averaging approximately 38 hours.
• One in four Saturdays, 9am-4pm.
• No night shifts, Sundays or bank holidays.
• No overnight inpatient responsibilities.
• Dedicated time within the working day for client telephone calls.
• Out-of-hours and overnight inpatient care provided by a local 24-hour veterinary hospital.

Key Skills, Qualifications and Requirements

• Ideally at least one year of experience in small animal general practice.
• Confident with routine surgical procedures.
• A genuine commitment to high standards of patient and client care.
• Good communication skills and a calm, approachable manner.
• Enjoyment of collaborative working and sharing clinical knowledge.
• An interest in developing your skills and contributing to the wider practice team.
• The practice is keen to support ongoing development, whether you want to strengthen your general-practice skills, pursue a particular clinical interest or work towards a certificate. Non-clinical development, including communication, leadership and wellbeing, is also encouraged.

Package and Benefits

• Salary of £45,000-£68,000, depending on experience.
• 5.6 weeks' annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Relocation assistance where required.
• CPD actively encouraged and supported, including certificate support.
• Access to Central CPD.
• Practice membership of ISFM.
• Individual RCVS Knowledge Library subscription.
• Group private health insurance scheme.
• Life insurance at three times annual salary.
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets.

Why Apply?

This is a great opportunity to join an independent practice where you can enjoy clinical freedom, a supportive team and the opportunity to influence how the business develops.

Based in the Southend-on-Sea area, the practice offers access to the Essex coastline and countryside, alongside convenient transport links into London and nearby airport connections.

If you are looking for a role where you can enjoy being a vet, continue developing professionally and still have time for life outside work, this could be an excellent next step.