This busy hospital in Bridgend is seeking an experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon to join its independent, vet-owned and RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Bridgend. Offering a genuine four-day working week, this position combines a varied first-opinion caseload with clinical leadership and a supportive out-of-hours back-up role. It would suit a confident vet who enjoys high-quality clinical work, mentoring colleagues and providing calm, practical guidance when complex cases arise.
The successful candidate will work across consultations, inpatient care, surgery and Cats Protection cases, with opportunities to develop their own clinical interests while contributing to the wider team's development. The practice values open communication, collaborative case discussions and a supportive approach to clinical decision-making, giving the Senior Veterinary Surgeon scope to share their experience and help less experienced colleagues build confidence.
The role and working pattern
The position offers four eight-hour shifts per week, with protected breaks and scheduled administration and telephone time built into consulting days. A one-hour lunch break also provides time to recharge during the working day.
Alongside the general-practice caseload, the role includes a second on-call commitment once every four weeks. This is usually managed remotely by telephone, supporting the first on-call vet and attending the hospital when more complex cases require additional assistance. An RVN and SVN are available on site 24 hours a day to support patient care. Candidates must live within 30 minutes' travelling time of the hospital.
There is also a one-in-four weekend rota involving morning duties caring for hospital inpatients. The role offers an opportunity to combine senior clinical responsibility with a more balanced working pattern, while remaining actively involved in patient care and supporting the wider veterinary team.
The practice and facilities
The team is led by an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, and an Advanced Practitioner in Feline Medicine. Their leadership supports a close-knit, collaborative culture in which clinical standards, shared knowledge and professional development are central to the way the practice operates.
The purpose-built hospital is equipped to manage a diverse caseload, with separate areas for cats, dogs and exotics. Facilities include digital radiography, Doppler ultrasound, dental radiography, a comprehensive in-house laboratory featuring SediVue, and a range of scopes. The team also operates branch practices in Pontyclun, Port Talbot and Porthcawl.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who communicates effectively, remains composed under pressure and has confidence in emergency medicine and surgery. They will enjoy working collaboratively, maintaining high clinical standards and providing approachable guidance to colleagues through mentoring, practical support and case discussions.
Salary and benefits
The salary is £60,000–£75,000, depending on experience and clinical confidence. The package includes 38 days of annual leave, comprising six weeks plus bank holidays, as well as five days of CPD leave and an annual CPD allowance of £1,500. Enhanced CPD support is available for Advanced Practitioners, and the practice pays RCVS and VDS fees alongside one additional professional membership.
Location
Situated between Cardiff and Swansea, the Bridgend hospital benefits from excellent M4 connections and easy access to the Welsh coastline and surrounding countryside, including the Brecon Beacons. It offers an attractive location for a vet seeking a senior position within an independent practice, with opportunities to contribute clinically and support colleagues while benefiting from a permanent four-day working week.
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Veterinary Surgeon Vacancy, South Wales employer: Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment
Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment is an attractive employer due to its commitment to supporting veterinary professionals in their career growth. The company fosters a collaborative work culture and provides access to a diverse range of job opportunities, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance in the veterinary field.
Contact Details:
Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon Vacancy, South Wales
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment.
