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- Tasks: Join our team as a Veterinary Surgeon, handling medical and surgical cases with support.
- Company: Ivybank Vets is a client-focused practice with four clinics along Ayrshire’s stunning west coast.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 6.8 weeks annual leave, private medical insurance, and a £1250 CPD allowance.
- Why this job: This role offers tailored opportunities for growth in a supportive and well-equipped environment.
- Qualifications: Open to all career stages; experience in veterinary practice is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Work-life balance is prioritised, with options for part-time and flexible schedules.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 68000 £ per year.
At Ivybank Vets, we’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Surgeon to join our team on a permanent basis. This is a first-opinion GP role, offering a mix of medical and surgical cases, with the time and support to work up your cases. Given the breadth of our current team, this role could flex to either a medical plus surgical caseload or, if you prefer, a consulting-only position. We could accommodate differing career stages for the right candidate, so we would like to hear from you if you are early in your career, looking to consolidate your skills, or someone looking for the challenge of developing a branch caseload.
We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexibility to suit your needs. The clinic opening hours are 8:30am - 7pm, Monday to Friday, with the full-time rota consisting of 39 hours per week, usually spread across 4 days, with an equal share of 1 in 4 Saturday mornings (8:30am-12pm). However, we are happy to explore part-time and flexible working options. Out-of-hours care is handled by Vets Now, ensuring a balanced schedule.
Our four clinics based in Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, and West Kilbride are situated along Ayrshire’s stunning west coast, offering a mix of beautiful countryside, scenic beaches, and easy access to the vibrant city life of Glasgow. We are a well-established, client-focused practice with a dedicated team of 10 Vets, 9 RVNs, 2 SVNs, 3 ACAs, and a welcoming reception and support team. Many of our nurses have experience in referral settings or have built long-term careers in general practice, providing excellent nurse consultations and supporting both surgical and hospitalised cases.
Our clinics are well-equipped with modern facilities, including in-house laboratories, digital radiography, ultrasound (available at three of our sites), dental equipment, and more, ensuring we deliver high standards of care. As a team of generalists, some of our vets hold or are working towards certificates in areas such as ultrasound, medicine, wildlife, and ECC. We actively encourage professional development and are happy to support further qualifications or special interests. This role can be tailored to your strengths and interests, whether you prefer a mix of medicine and surgery or a consulting-only role.
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises, and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
- Work-life balance
- 6.8 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
- Certificate support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
- All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
- All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
- Company pension scheme with contributions from IVC Evidensia
- Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
- Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
- Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
Up to £61,000 DOE
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal employer: Ivybank Vets, Kilwinning
Contact Detail:
Ivybank Vets, Kilwinning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ivybank Vets' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to work-life balance and professional development will help you align your own goals with theirs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Ivybank Vets. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and what it’s like to work there, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your specific interests in veterinary medicine or surgery. Since the role can be tailored to your strengths, being clear about your preferences will show that you are proactive and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any relevant continuing professional development (CPD) you've undertaken. This demonstrates your commitment to growth and aligns with Ivybank's support for further qualifications and special interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in veterinary practice, particularly with small animals. Include any specific skills or certifications that align with the role, such as surgical experience or special interests in medicine.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for veterinary medicine and your commitment to animal care. Mention why you are interested in Ivybank Vets specifically and how your values align with their focus on work-life balance and professional development.
Highlight Your Flexibility: Since the role offers flexible working options, emphasise your willingness to adapt to different rota patterns. Discuss your preferences regarding medical versus surgical caseloads and how you can contribute to the team’s needs.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Mention any ongoing professional development, such as courses or certifications you are pursuing. This demonstrates your commitment to growth and aligns with Ivybank Vets' encouragement of further qualifications and special interests.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivybank Vets, Kilwinning
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and veterinary medicine. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication and compassion, as this role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any previous roles or internships that relate to small animal practice. Be specific about the types of cases you've handled, whether medical or surgical, and how those experiences have prepared you for this position at Ivybank Vets.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
Ivybank Vets values a collaborative environment, so be ready to talk about your ability to work in a team. Mention any experiences where you adapted to different roles or supported colleagues, especially in a busy clinic setting.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the clinic's approach to professional development, case management, and work-life balance. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the practice aligns with your career goals.
