At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional veterinary care in a supportive, independent practice.
- Company: Henley House Vet Clinic, a friendly and collaborative small animal practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and professional development support.
- Other info: Great work-life balance with a sociable team and beautiful surroundings.
- Why this job: Enjoy clinical freedom and make a real difference in animal care.
- Qualifications: Experience in small animal practice and a passion for veterinary medicine.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 70000 £ per year.
Looking for the clinical freedom of independent practice, with the time, facilities and support to do your best work? Henley House Vet Clinic is a proudly independent 6-vet small animal practice based in Uckfield, East Sussex, with a second branch in Heathfield. We firmly believe that exceptional veterinary care starts with creating an exceptional place to work. We work hard to ensure our vets, RVNs and support teams enjoy not only excellent facilities and equipment, but also a genuine work-life balance and a culture built on kindness, collaboration and mutual respect.
We’re now looking for a Veterinary Surgeon with some experience in small animal practice to join our close-knit team, based predominantly at our Uckfield clinic with occasional cover at Heathfield. If you enjoy working cases up properly, value being part of a supportive team and share our commitment to doing what’s right for our patients, clients and each other, we’d love to hear from you.
About Henley House: Our veterinary team brings together a wealth of experience across small animal general practice, emergency care and surgery, with clinical interests including soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology and orthopaedics. That experience is backed by a fantastic nursing and support team, creating an environment where there’s always someone to discuss a case with, share ideas or lend a hand when the day gets busy.
As one of our vets puts it: “I have worked in many practices before taking a permanent position at Henley House, and it really is a great place to work! Friendly, positive, supportive team, and a really good work-life balance. Working for a well-run independent practice is fantastic as you are appreciated more, have more autonomy and great job satisfaction.”
Since Chris took ownership in 2006, Henley House has continued to grow and evolve while retaining the friendly, personal feel of an independent practice. We’ve expanded into Heathfield and continued to invest in our facilities, equipment and team.
Facilities and future plans: Our Grade II listed Uckfield clinic has been extensively developed, including a purpose-built extension with two operating theatres, separate cat and dog wards, a full in-house IDEXX laboratory and a spacious staff room. Our facilities also include DR and dental radiography, endoscopy, K-Laser therapy and high-quality ultrasound at both clinics. We continue to invest in the practice to give our team what they need to deliver excellent patient care. We’ve also future-proofed our Uckfield clinic with space for a CT scanner, which we hope will form part of the next stage of our development.
Being independent means decisions are made within the practice. If there’s equipment, training or an idea that could help us provide even better care, we’re always happy to have the conversation.
The role: This is a varied first-opinion role for someone who enjoys the breadth of general practice and wants the freedom to continue developing their own clinical interests. We’ve recently welcomed a new graduate to the team, so this could also be a great opportunity for someone who enjoys sharing their knowledge and supporting a less experienced colleague. There’s no expectation for you to take on a formal mentoring role, but if it’s something you enjoy, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved.
Our surgical services are continuing to develop too, with our newest Veterinary Surgeon, Henry, leading an expansion that includes TPLO and BOAS procedures, alongside additional soft tissue and orthopaedic support. With surgery well supported, we’d particularly love to hear from someone with an interest in internal medicine and/or diagnostic imaging who could bring another dimension to the team. Whether you already have experience in these areas or would like to develop your skills further, we’d be keen to support you.
The rota: This is a full-time position based mainly at our Uckfield clinic, with occasional cover at our single-vet branch in Heathfield. We know there’s more to life than work, which is why we’ve designed our rota to give our team time to enjoy life away from veterinary medicine. Our vets work:
- A 4-day week, 8.30am–7.00pm
- 1 in 5 (maximum) Saturday mornings, 8.30am–12.00pm
- No Sundays
- No routine out-of-hours
- Out-of-hours provided by Vets Now in Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne
What we offer: Salary of £45,000 - £70,000, depending on experience. Five weeks’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays. Your birthday off. Royal London company pension after three months. Bupa private medical cover after six months. Support to develop your clinical interests. Excellent facilities with continued investment planned. The autonomy and flexibility of a genuinely independent practice.
Life outside work: Uckfield offers a lovely balance between countryside living and easy access to the coast, city and beyond. Ashdown Forest, the South Downs National Park and the famous Hundred Acre Wood are all on your doorstep, while Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and Gatwick Airport can be reached within around 45 minutes. London is just over an hour away. We’re a sociable team too, whether that’s a countryside dog walk, a meal out, cinema trip or something a little more adventurous.
Could Henley House be your next move? If you’re looking for an independent practice where you can enjoy the variety of being a GP vet, have experienced colleagues around you and still have the autonomy to practise in your own way, we’d love to hear from you. Come and meet the team, have a look around and discover what your next chapter at Henley House could look like.
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Heathfield employer: Henley House Veterinary Clinic
Henley House Vet Clinic is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its veterinary team. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, a supportive culture, and excellent facilities, our independent practice in Uckfield offers the autonomy to develop your clinical interests while being part of a close-knit team. Enjoy the benefits of a competitive salary, generous leave, and the opportunity to work in a beautiful location with easy access to both countryside and city life.
Contact Details:
Henley House Veterinary Clinic Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Heathfield
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Heathfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Henley House Veterinary Clinic, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Henley House Veterinary Clinic. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Henley House Veterinary Clinic will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley House Veterinary Clinic
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
