Veterinary Surgeon/Lead Vet Opportunity
Veterinary Surgeon/Lead Vet Opportunity

Veterinary Surgeon/Lead Vet Opportunity

Full-Time 65000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a supportive team, performing surgeries and consultations while developing your skills.
  • Company: Cinque Ports Veterinary Group, part of the largest family-owned veterinary company.
  • Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, flexible hours, 5 weeks holiday, and extensive CPD opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment prioritising your wellbeing and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape your career with genuine progression and a collaborative culture.
  • Qualifications: RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with at least 3 years UK experience.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: Kent (Rye, Tenterden, Hawkhurst & Kingsnorth Hospital)

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: Full-time or part-time considered | 40 hours over 4 days (08:30–18:30) | 1 in 5 Saturdays (08:30–16:30) | No OOH.

We are happy to consider flexible working options for the right candidate, although Mondays and Tuesdays are fixed working days.

At Cinque Ports, you’ll have the opportunity to genuinely shape your position, whether that’s stepping into a Lead Vet role, developing your clinical confidence, or simply balancing surgeries and consults and building a rota that actually works for your life.

We are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join Cinque Ports Veterinary Group, with the option to step into or work towards a Lead Vet position. This role offers a genuine balance of autonomy and support, with the opportunity to work up cases, perform surgery, and contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Why join us
  • Opportunity to step into or develop towards a Lead Veterinary Surgeon role
  • Flexible working options, including full-time, part-time or fixed term arrangements for the right candidate
  • No out-of-hours, with overnight care provided by Vets Now at our Kingsnorth Hospital
  • 50/50 split of consults and surgery, offering strong clinical variety
  • Exposure to a wide and interesting caseload across branch and hospital settings
  • Sole charge opportunities, supported by an experienced wider team
  • Option to spend one day per week at our Kingsnorth Hospital
  • Supportive, experienced leadership team focused on development and progression
  • Collaborative team culture with regular opportunities to connect and share knowledge

This is a varied position combining consults, surgery and some sole charge, giving you the opportunity to build confidence, take ownership of cases and develop your clinical skills. You will work across our Rye, Tenterden or Hawkhurst practices, with flexibility to spend time at our Kingsnorth Hospital depending on your interests and development goals. You will be supported by the wider Cinque Ports group, with access to experienced colleagues and hospital facilities when required, allowing you to work cases up to a high standard.

The team & practice

Cinque Ports Veterinary Group is an RCVS-accredited practice with six well-established sites across Kent and East Sussex, supported by our Kingsnorth hospital. At Rye, you will work alongside a dedicated and supportive team, including a Lead Nurse and two part-time RVNs, with additional support from the wider group when needed. Across the group, you will collaborate with experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses with interests in surgery, dermatology, dentistry, radiography and anaesthesia, creating a strong environment for shared learning and development. Our practices are well-equipped with facilities including surgical suites, digital and dental x-ray, ultrasound and in-house laboratory equipment, enabling you to deliver a high standard of care. Kingsnorth Hospital is an RCVS-accredited hospital with Gold ISFM accreditation, providing 24/7 emergency care supported by Vets Now, ensuring excellent continuity of care for patients with 8 RVNs and 2 PCAs as well as 2 SVNs.

What we’re looking for
  • RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with at least 3 years UK experience
  • Confident in both consults and routine surgery
  • Comfortable with some sole charge
  • A collaborative team player with strong communication skills
  • Committed to delivering high standards of patient and client care
  • Interest in leadership or progression (desirable for Lead Vet applicants)
  • Keen desire to study towards obtaining a medical cert (ideal but not essential)
What we offer
  • 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
  • RCVS and VDS fees paid
  • External CPD funded
  • Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Staff discount schemes
  • Life Assurance
  • Enhanced sickness pay
  • Enhanced equal family leave
  • E-car salary sacrifice scheme
  • Employer contribution pension scheme
  • Recruitment referral reward scheme
  • Wellness program including:
  • Employee assistance program
  • Eyecare voucher scheme
  • Free annual Flu jab
  • Cycle to work scheme

Cinque Ports Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.

If you would like to apply for the role or for an informal chat to discuss it further, please get in touch with Joanne in the recruitment team at joanne.gray@linnaeusgroup.co.uk

Veterinary Surgeon/Lead Vet Opportunity employer: Linnaeus Veterinary

At Cinque Ports Veterinary Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values flexibility, professional growth, and a collaborative work culture. With opportunities to step into leadership roles, access to extensive CPD, and a supportive team environment across our well-equipped practices in Kent, we empower our Veterinary Surgeons to thrive both personally and professionally while ensuring a high standard of care for our patients.
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Contact Detail:

Linnaeus Veterinary Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon/Lead Vet Opportunity

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the job at Cinque Ports. Confidence is key, so get comfortable talking about your skills!

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for veterinary medicine! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to animal care and teamwork. Let them see your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their collaborative culture.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Cinque Ports team. Let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon/Lead Vet Opportunity

RCVS Registration
Clinical Skills
Surgery
Consultation Skills
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Leadership Potential
Patient Care
Client Care
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Time Management
Interest in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Experience in Sole Charge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your clinical experience, especially in consults and surgeries, to show us you're the right fit for our team.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're passionate about veterinary medicine and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture at Cinque Ports. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!

Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love a good team player! In your application, mention any experiences where you've worked collaboratively with others. This role is all about support and shared learning, so let us see your teamwork skills!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus Veterinary

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around common procedures and case studies. Familiarise yourself with the specific practices at Cinque Ports Veterinary Group, as they value a strong clinical background and the ability to work autonomously.

✨Show Your Passion for Progression

Since this role offers opportunities for leadership and development, be ready to discuss your career aspirations. Share how you envision stepping into a Lead Vet position and what that means for your professional growth.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

Collaboration is key in this role, so highlight your experience working in teams. Be prepared to give examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment and how you handle challenges with colleagues.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the practice culture, support systems, and opportunities for CPD. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Veterinary Surgeon/Lead Vet Opportunity
Linnaeus Veterinary

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