Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC

Ivc; Hadleigh; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Private medical insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Highcliff Vets in Hadleigh & Brantham, Suffolk, is seeking a Veterinary Surgeon (Small Animal) for a fixed-term 12-month contract. The role covers a varied caseload across two sites, with modern facilities and ISFM-accredited clinics. Excellent mentorship and a supportive team environment are offered.

The practice emphasises patient care, client relationships and continuous learning, with no out-of-hours commitments and a clear pathway for professional development.

Qualifications

• Deliver high-quality medical and surgical care to a varied caseload.
• Strong communication with clients to ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with nurses and colleagues to support patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality medical and surgical care for small animals.
• Build strong client relationships through clear communication.
• Work as part of a supportive clinical team and share knowledge.

Skills

Communication skills

Client relationships

Team collaboration

Education

Veterinary degree & RCVS registration

Tools

Ultrasound

Dental X-ray

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Highcliff Vets - Hadleigh & Brantham, Suffolk

Salary up to £75,000 DOE

Fixed Term contract - 12 months

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Highcliff Vets is a long-established practice that has proudly served the local community for over 100 years. We are an award-winning practice, holding Gold ISFM accreditation at Brantham, Silver ISFM accreditation at Hadleigh, a Dog Friendly Award from Dogs Trust and RCVS Accredited Small Animal General Practice status.

We are deeply involved in our local community, supporting the Greyhound Trust and local cat rescue charities, attending country shows and working with local schools through our STEM ambassador programme. We are also proud to have worked with the BVA on a campaign highlighting the positive impact of the veterinary profession.

Life in Hadleigh

Hadleigh is a charming Suffolk market town offering the perfect balance between rural living and modern convenience. With excellent schools, independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs, alongside beautiful countryside and easy access to Ipswich, Colchester and the Suffolk Coast, it is a fantastic place to live and work.

Practice Highlights

• Two-site practice across Hadleigh and Brantham
• Gold and Silver ISFM accredited clinics
• Dog Friendly Award holder and RCVS Accredited Small Animal General Practice
• Converted Tudor building with modern purpose-built extension
• Four consulting rooms, including a dedicated nurse consulting room
• Two theatres, imaging suite and dental X-ray facilities
• Separate cat and dog wards plus dedicated isolation facilities
• Digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, video endoscopy and therapeutic laser
• Orthopaedic and ophthalmology equipment available
• Vets Now host practice with no out-of-hours commitments

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work as part of a collaborative and highly skilled team, delivering exceptional patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your clinical interests, work up cases to a high standard and contribute to a positive clinical culture where learning, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued.

General Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality medical and surgical care to a varied caseload
• Build strong relationships with clients through excellent communication and continuity of care
• Work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons, nurses and client care colleagues
• Contribute to clinical discussions, case reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support and share knowledge with colleagues across the practice

A Varied Caseload with Plenty of Opportunity

Our patients include cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries and the occasional exotic or chicken. We aim to provide a balanced mix of consultations and surgery and are happy to support specific clinical interests or consider a consult-only role if preferred.

The surgical caseload ranges from routine procedures through to more complex dentals, orthopaedics and ECC cases, providing excellent opportunities for clinical development.

A Supportive, Skilled and Caring Team

Our team consists of 12 Veterinary Surgeons, 16 RVNs, a Practice Manager and 16 Client Care Team members. We are proud to have certificate holders in Imaging and Surgery, with additional colleagues currently working towards advanced qualifications in Small Animal Medicine.

With a mix of newly qualified vets and experienced colleagues who have been with us for more than 20 years, we offer a supportive environment where mentorship, collaboration and wellbeing are genuine priorities.

Working Pattern

• Full-time position working 40 hours per week
• Part-time applications welcomed
• 1 in 3 Saturday mornings, 8:00am–1:00pm
• No out-of-hours commitments

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

• A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• A collaborative approach to team working
• A commitment to clinical excellence and continuous learning
• An interest in developing clinical skills and pursuing personal interests within practice

How We’ll Support You

• Support for clinical interests and certificate development
• Access to experienced mentors and certificate holders
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral and leadership opportunities
• Ongoing learning and development through the inspiring vet care Academy
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.