At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical cases, mentor colleagues, and provide high-quality veterinary care.
- Company: Independent, vet-owned small animal hospital in Bridgend.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 38 days annual leave, CPD support, and a four-day work week.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle while working in a purpose-built facility.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in veterinary care.
- Qualifications: Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with strong communication and emergency skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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.
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
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment for the Veterinary Surgeon Vacancy, South Wales role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon Vacancy, South Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Bright Leaf Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
