At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a passionate veterinary team while providing excellent patient care.
- Company: Progressive veterinary practice in Durham with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, CPD allowance, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Enjoy the beautiful North East and explore outdoor adventures.
- Why this job: Shape your career in a supportive environment with leadership opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with a passion for patient care and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 47138 - 57613 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking to take the next step in your career? Or perhaps you're already working as a Senior Veterinary Surgeon and looking for a role where you can develop your clinical interests while helping shape a supportive and progressive team?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative small animal and exotic veterinary practice in Durham, where your individual skills, interests and career ambitions are genuinely valued.
The Role
The practice is ideally looking for a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, but would also welcome applications from experienced Veterinary Surgeons who are ready to take the next step into a senior or leadership position. The role offers excellent scope to develop your career in whichever direction interests you most, whether that's through advanced clinical work, certificate-level development or non-clinical leadership.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Develop a clinical area you're passionate about
- Have a certificate funded in an area of interest
- Build leadership and management skills
- Mentor and support developing members of the veterinary team
- Work alongside vets with interests in exotics, feline medicine, dermatology, advanced medicine, soft tissue surgery and orthopaedic surgery
- Contribute to a collaborative approach to patient care
- Help shape and develop the growing veterinary team
The practice has an open and inclusive culture, recognising the unique skills each vet brings and providing the support and clinical freedom needed to thrive.
Hours & Work-Life Balance
Flexibility is a key part of the role, with a wide range of full-time and part-time working options available. Flexible arrangements can include:
- Full-time or part-time hours
- School-hours working
- Flexible working patterns
- Block working arrangements with larger gaps between working periods
The standard full-time pattern is:
- 4 x 9-hour days
- 1 weekend in 4 – Saturday only
- No on-call
Salary
Senior Veterinary Surgeon: £60,000–£72,000 DOE. This salary range is aimed at experienced vets with additional skills and the potential to contribute to the practice in a management or leadership capacity.
Experienced Veterinary Surgeon: £50,000–£67,000 DOE. Salary will depend on experience, skillset and additional qualifications, including postgraduate qualifications or experience as a VetGDP Advisor. Salary based on a 40-hour week and pro rata for part-time hours.
About You
We're looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon who is passionate about delivering excellent patient care and keen to develop their career. You may be:
- An established Senior Veterinary Surgeon
- An experienced Vet ready to take the next step
- A vet with advanced clinical skills or postgraduate qualifications
- Someone interested in developing their leadership and management skills
- A confident clinician keen to mentor and support colleagues
Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys working collaboratively and sharing knowledge with the wider veterinary team.
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a practice that genuinely invests in its people and provides the freedom to shape your career. You'll benefit from:
- £1,750 annual CPD allowance
- CPD and certificate training support
- RCVS membership paid plus two additional professional subscriptions
- VDS cover
- 6.6 weeks' paid holiday, including bank holidays
- Health Cash Plan
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Company sick pay
- Annual pay reviews
- Career progression opportunities
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment
- Focus on employee wellbeing
Location – Durham
Based in the historic cathedral city of Durham, you'll have easy access to Newcastle upon Tyne and excellent transport connections via the A1(M) and East Coast Main Line. The location is ideal for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors, with the Northumberland National Park, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and Lake District all within easy reach. The beautiful North East coastline is also close by. With excellent transport links, access to Newcastle and surrounding countryside, Durham offers a fantastic balance between career opportunities and quality of life.
Experienced/Senior Vet Surgeon – Progression Opportunities – Flexible Hours in North East employer: Chattyvets
Chattyvets in Colchester is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its team members while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a unique opportunity for Veterinary Surgeons to transition into co-ownership, employees benefit from clinical leadership roles, profit-sharing, and equity growth, all within a community-focused environment that values high standards of care and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced/Senior Vet Surgeon – Progression Opportunities – Flexible Hours in North East
✨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 Chattyvets often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced/Senior Vet Surgeon – Progression Opportunities – Flexible Hours in North East
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 Chattyvets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Chattyvets. 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 Chattyvets.
✨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 Chattyvets.
✨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 Chattyvets.
