At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional medical and surgical care to a diverse range of animals.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider with a community-focused ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with no out-of-hours commitments and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration required; strong communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 45113 - 55138 £ per year.
- Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
- Highcliff Vets - Hadleigh & Brantham, Suffolk
- Salary up to £75,000 DOE
- Fixed Term contract - 12 months
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Highcliff Vets is a long-established practice that has proudly served the local community for over 100 years.
We are an award-winning practice, holding Gold ISFM accreditation at Brantham, Silver ISFM accreditation at Hadleigh, a Dog Friendly Award from Dogs Trust and RCVS Accredited Small Animal General Practice status.
We are deeply involved in our local community, supporting the Greyhound Trust and local cat rescue charities, attending country shows and working with local schools through our STEM ambassador programme.
We are also proud to have worked with the BVA on a campaign highlighting the positive impact of the veterinary profession.
Life in Hadleigh
Hadleigh is a charming Suffolk market town offering the perfect balance between rural living and modern convenience.
With excellent schools, independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs, alongside beautiful countryside and easy access to Ipswich, Colchester and the Suffolk Coast, it is a fantastic place to live and work.
- Practice Highlights
- Two-site practice across Hadleigh and Brantham
- Gold and Silver ISFM accredited clinics
- Dog Friendly Award holder and RCVS Accredited Small Animal General Practice
- Converted Tudor building with modern purpose-built extension
- Four consulting rooms, including a dedicated nurse consulting room
- Two theatres, imaging suite and dental X-ray facilities
- Separate cat and dog wards plus dedicated isolation facilities
- Digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, video endoscopy and therapeutic laser
- Orthopaedic and ophthalmology equipment available
- Vets Now host practice with no out-of-hours commitments
- How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Veterinary Surgeon, you'll work as part of a collaborative and highly skilled team, delivering exceptional patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload.
You'll have the opportunity to develop your clinical interests, work up cases to a high standard and contribute to a positive clinical culture where learning, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued.
- General Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality medical and surgical care to a varied caseload
- Build strong relationships with clients through excellent communication and continuity of care
- Work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons, nurses and client care colleagues
- Contribute to clinical discussions, case reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
- Support and share knowledge with colleagues across the practice
- A Varied Caseload with Plenty of Opportunity
Our patients include cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries and the occasional exotic or chicken.
We aim to provide a balanced mix of consultations and surgery and are happy to support specific clinical interests or consider a consult-only role if preferred.
The surgical caseload ranges from routine procedures through to more complex dentals, orthopaedics and ECC cases, providing excellent opportunities for clinical development.
A Supportive, Skilled and Caring Team
Our team consists of 12 Veterinary Surgeons, 16 RVNs, a Practice Manager and 16 Client Care Team members.
We are proud to have certificate holders in Imaging and Surgery, with additional colleagues currently working towards advanced qualifications in Small Animal Medicine.
With a mix of newly qualified vets and experienced colleagues who have been with us for more than 20 years, we offer a supportive environment where mentorship, collaboration and wellbeing are genuine priorities.
- Working Pattern
- Full-time position working 40 hours per week
- Part-time applications welcomed
- 1 in 3 Saturday mornings, 8:00am-1:00pm
- No out-of-hours commitments
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
We're looking for a Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys delivering high standards of patient care while working as part of a supportive team. You'll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS
- Strong communication and client relationship skills
- A collaborative approach to team working
- A commitment to clinical excellence and continuous learning
- An interest in developing clinical skills and pursuing personal interests within practice
- How We'll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we're committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you'll benefit from:
- Support for clinical interests and certificate development
- Access to experienced mentors and certificate holders
- Clear career pathways across primary care, referral and leadership opportunities
- Ongoing learning and development through the inspiring vet care Academy
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
We're committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
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Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC employer: Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex
At Highcliff Vets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your clinical interests can flourish. Located in the charming town of Hadleigh, our practice not only provides competitive benefits such as private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and community involvement, making it a rewarding place to grow your veterinary career.
Contact Details:
Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC
✨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 Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex 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 Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC
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 Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex. 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 Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex.
✨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 Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex.
✨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 Highcliff Veterinary Practice, Essex.
