Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road; Witham; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Witham is looking for a confident Veterinary Surgeon proficient in surgical skills to manage a diverse caseload. The role involves routine procedures and complex surgeries, with strong team collaboration and support from skilled RVNs. The practice emphasizes community connection and offers excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, CPD opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Enjoy a balanced work pattern with generous holiday allowances and a commitment to wellbeing.

Benefits

Relocation allowance up to £5,000

£5,000 Welcome Bonus

Annual CPD allowance of £1,250

Private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon in the UK.
• Experience in routine procedures and complex surgeries.
• Strong understanding of animal care and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Perform surgeries and manage a diverse caseload.
• Provide consultations and patient care.
• Collaborate with nurses and support staff.

Skills

Surgical skills

Client communication

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

Digital radiography

Job description

Salary up to £60,000 DOE, Relocation Allowance up to £5,000 and Welcome Bonus up to £5,000

For more than 50 years, Spring Lodge has been a trusted name in Witham, and we’re now looking for a confident and capable Veterinary Surgeon who takes genuine enjoyment in their day-to-day clinical work. If you’re seeking a role where surgical skill, high standards, and a supportive team all come together, this could be your ideal next step.

A Diverse Caseload to Keep You Inspired

Our patients range from cats and dogs to rabbits, guinea pigs, small furries and the occasional exotic or wildlife admission. While there is a slight bias towards consults depending on your strengths, there’s always room to get hands‑on in theatre. You’ll encounter a broad mix of routine procedures alongside orthopaedics, TPLOs, fracture repairs, laparoscopic work, and an impressive volume of ophthalmology cases. Thanks to our hospital status, you’ll also have the chance to manage a wide variety of complex surgical and medical cases.

Consult‑only options can be discussed for those who prefer a non‑surgical pathway.

Facilities Designed for Excellence

You’ll be supported by an extensive suite of equipment including ultrasound, endoscopy, advanced scanning capabilities, ECG technology, full in‑house laboratory, digital and dental radiography, and a comprehensive range of laparoscopic and orthopaedic kit. We’re proud of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, ensuring our environment supports both the team and the pets we care for.

Nurses Who Elevate Your Day

Our RVNs are highly skilled, proactive and an essential part of the clinical workflow. From radiography to blood sampling, they take an active role in patient care, with many holding additional qualifications. Their support allows our vets to focus on what they do best while enjoying a collaborative, efficient environment.

A New Chapter Awaits at Spring Lodge

Our main site offers a spacious reception with dedicated cat and dog waiting areas, three consult rooms including an RVN consult space, a well‑organised dispensary, a large prep room with three theatres, a dedicated imaging room, a fully equipped IDEXX laboratory and a separate x‑ray suite with dental radiography. Purpose‑built cat and dog wards are complemented by isolation facilities, quiet office space, and a warm staff area complete with kitchen, drinks station and a very popular snack cupboard. Free off‑site parking is available close to the practice. With multiple branches in our group, there’s also the opportunity to experience different working environments and caseloads.

A Working Pattern That Gives You Balance

Our vets work 41 hours per week over four days, with shifts running from 8:00am to the last appointment at 6:30pm. The rota includes 1 in 5 Saturday mornings and a 1 in 8 emergency day cover for our own clients only. When you work a weekend, you’ll receive an additional day off, giving you the potential for up to five consecutive days of rest – without dipping into annual leave. There is no out‑of‑hours work, and inpatient care is supported on‑site through our partnership with Vets Now.

A Team You’ll Be Proud to Join

With 15 vets, 20 RVNs and a dedicated client care team including a practice manager, you’ll join a knowledgeable and supportive group. Our vets hold certificates in surgery, medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology and advanced general practice, with several more working towards their own. If you’re keen to pursue a certificate, we’re ready to support you. We also have trained Mental Health First Aiders, Wellbeing Champions and regular in‑house CPD covering special interest areas such as cardiology and ultrasonography.

Rooted in Community and Connection

Spring Lodge is deeply connected to our local community. From visiting primary schools to deliver animal care sessions, to attending high school careers fairs, we’re passionate about inspiring future generations. We regularly support Hedgehog Haven, enjoy group‑wide and team‑level socials, and take pride in being recognised and trusted locally.

Life in Powers Hall End, Witham

Powers Hall End offers a welcoming blend of residential calm and excellent amenities, making it an appealing place to call home. Witham itself provides a great mix of shops, cafés, green spaces and easy access to beautiful walking routes. The area benefits from strong transport links, with direct trains to London and convenient access to the A12 for Chelmsford, Colchester and beyond. Whether you enjoy weekend strolls, family‑friendly activities or exploring the Essex countryside, Powers Hall End is a relaxed and well‑connected spot perfect for putting down roots.

Because our people matter

• 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: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave; Certificate support; Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy; Access to Vetlexicon; All our vets & nurses can apply for research funding; All our vets get £1,250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme; Professional Memberships – BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees
• 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 – choose from a range of options; Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers; Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice