Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)
Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)

Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)

Victoria Full-Time 36400 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
B

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Veterinary Surgeon, providing care for animals and their owners.
  • Company: Blue Cross has been helping pets since 1906, with state-of-the-art facilities in London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38-43 days holiday, wellbeing support, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while enjoying a great work-life balance.
  • Qualifications: Must be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons with relevant experience.
  • Other info: Flexible working across multiple sites and opportunities for professional development.

The predicted salary is between 36400 - 43200 £ per year.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 12 months, full time 40 hours p/week over 5 days

Salary: £43,820 - £54,074 per annum plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance

Location: London SW1V 1QQ

Closing date: 20th July 2025

Interviews: W/C 28th July 2025

As a Veterinary Surgeon, you won’t just be practicing medicine; you’ll be making a meaningful impact on vulnerable animals and the people that depend on them.

More about the role:

Veterinary Surgeons at Blue Cross work on a healthy mix of emergency and routine treatments where our vets are exposed to a wide variety of medical, surgical and emergency cases, enabling rapid development of skills and confidence in general practice. With a shift pattern of Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, this provides you an excellent work-life balance. You will be a part of the evening and weekend rota, which is shared between vets based across Victoria, Merton and Hammersmith resulting in about 1 evening shift a month and 1 weekend day shift (compensated by time in lieu) every 6 weeks. Your hours will be based primarily at Victoria however we will need you to have the flexibility to support pets at our other sites when needed.

About the hospital:

The Blue Cross Victoria hospital has been in operation since its opening in 1906, remaining steadfast in its commitment to helping pets and their owners in need. Equipped with state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, you will be joining a hospital that spans six floors with six consultation rooms, two theatres, four minor procedure rooms and a laboratory including an ambulance service dedicated to transporting animals to and from the hospital. Victoria is a 24-hour hospital with a dedicated night team, allowing for much desired case continuity. You will take an active part in our team development days, where once a month we provide emergency services only, allowing time for in-house cadaver training, case discussions and team meetings. We are proud to have attained the Silver ISFM cat friendly award and the Dogs’ Trust Dog Friendly Accreditation.

About you:

We’re looking for a pragmatic and competent Veterinary Surgeon who thrives in a team environment. You’ll demonstrate excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering compassionate care to our patients and their owners. With a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to make a difference, you’ll embody our Blue Cross values and contribute to our culture of compassion, courage, and inclusivity.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

  • Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Demonstrable small animal or mixed practice experience
  • Sole charge experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Ability to demonstrate understanding and application of our Blue Cross values.

Although not essential, it would also be great if you had:

  • UK small animal or mixed practice experience
  • UK driving licence

How to apply:

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.

Blue Cross benefits:

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.

Our generous benefits package includes:

  • Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
  • Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
  • Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
  • Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
  • Health cash plan
  • Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
  • Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
  • Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
  • Life assurance
  • 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Recognition scheme
  • Annual volunteer days
  • Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.

Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover) employer: Blue Cross

At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our state-of-the-art Victoria hospital provides a dynamic environment for Veterinary Surgeons to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and their owners. With generous benefits, including extensive holiday entitlement, mental health support, and opportunities for continuous professional development, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered in their roles.
B

Contact Detail:

Blue Cross Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Blue Cross values and mission. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a qualified candidate, but also a good cultural fit.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Blue Cross. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights about the work environment and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about past experiences where you demonstrated excellent communication skills and compassionate care, as these are key traits they are looking for in a Veterinary Surgeon.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your commitment to continuous professional development. Mention any relevant courses or training you've undertaken, especially those related to emergency care or small animal practice, as this aligns with the diverse cases you'll encounter at Blue Cross.

We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)

Veterinary Medicine
Small Animal Surgery
Emergency Care
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Compassionate Care
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Client Relationship Management
Record Keeping
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Flexibility and Adaptability
Understanding of Blue Cross Values
Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in veterinary practice, especially any small animal or mixed practice experience. Emphasise your membership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and any sole charge experience you have.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and your commitment to the Blue Cross values. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.

Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and pet owners.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in the veterinary field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross

✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare

Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and commitment to their welfare during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of pets and their owners, as this aligns with the values of Blue Cross.

✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills

Since the role requires working in a team environment, be prepared to discuss your experiences collaborating with colleagues. Highlight instances where you contributed to team success or supported others in challenging situations.

✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios

Expect to be asked about clinical cases you've handled. Brush up on your knowledge of common procedures and emergency situations, and be ready to discuss your thought process and decision-making in those scenarios.

✨Understand Blue Cross Values

Familiarise yourself with the core values of Blue Cross: compassion, courage, and inclusivity. Be ready to explain how you embody these values in your work and how they influence your approach to veterinary care.

Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)
Blue Cross
B
  • Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)

    Victoria
    Full-Time
    36400 - 43200 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-15

  • B

    Blue Cross

Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>