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- Tasks: Lead a supportive team, mentor junior vets, and manage a balanced caseload of consults and surgeries.
- Company: Independent small animal practice near Guildford with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Salary from £65,000+, flexible CPD, partnership potential, and a 4-day work week.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in animal care while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experienced small animal vet, confident in consulting and surgery, with excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Strong support from an experienced nursing team and opportunities for long-term development.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 91000 £ per year.
Job Description
A well-established and proudly independent small animal practice near Guildford is seeking a confident and experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly, supportive team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Vet who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys both consulting and surgery, and wants genuine scope for progression — including future partnership opportunities.
Salary from £65,000+
The exact salary within this banding will be awarded commensurate on experience.
Location: Near Guildford, Surrey
The Role
- Full-time: 4 days per week (fixed day off, likely Thursday).
- Part-time considered for the right candidate.
- 1 in 3 Saturdays, 8am–12pm, no Sundays or bank holidays.
- No OOH – outsourced to VetsNow.
- 15-minute consults as standard.
- Typical caseload: 40–50 consults daily across 2–3 vets, plus 3–5 surgeries.
- Senior role: mentoring junior vets, supporting clinical decisions, and leading by example.
- Balanced caseload: consults, surgery (routine and visiting specialist procedures), diagnostics, and admin.
Candidate Requirements
- Experienced and competent small animal veterinary surgeon.
- Confident in both consulting and operating.
- A natural mentor who enjoys supporting younger colleagues.
- A flexible team player with excellent communication skills.
- Someone who values the independence of a non-corporate practice.
- Open to long-term development — with potential partnership opportunities.
Practice Overview
- Independently owned and proudly local.
- Facilities: 3 consult rooms, sterile theatre, prep area, dedicated dental room, x-ray suite.
- Equipment: digital x-rays (including dental), ultrasound, endoscopy, in-house labs, full sterile surgical kits.
- Caseload: routine neutering, dentals, lump removals, plus visiting specialist for advanced procedures twice a month.
- Clients: loyal, insured and committed to excellent care.
- Support: strong and highly experienced nursing team.
Benefits
- Salary from £65,000+ DOE.
- Flexible CPD allowance with full certificate support.
- Partnership potential for the right candidate.
- Work/life balance: 4-day week, no OOH, no bank holidays.
- Loyal client base and a genuinely supportive team.
Next stepsFor further details on this exceptional role, please click the Apply Now button. If you can specify the best time to talk, please do; we will get in touch when it suits you best. You will then be contacted by one of our specialist consultants, who will provide you with further details about the role.
If you would like to talk ahead of sending us your CV, please give us a call on 0113 5129626
Please note, any contact is in the strictest confidence and we will not send your details to any practice without your expressed consent to do so.
Is this role almost right for you, but not quite ticking all the boxes? If so, we have many other roles available and also offer a Bespoke Job Search Service where we work proactively to find you your perfect job.
We have been named as the Recruitment Firm of the year at the HealthInvestor Awards, Winners of the Professional Service Provider of the Year at the General Practice Awards, Winners of the Recruitment Award at the LaingBuisson Awards and named on the Recruiter Hot100 list, so in dealing with us you'll be in safe hands!
For every placement we make, Menlo Park plants two trees! We plant one on your behalf and the other on the surgery's behalf. By planting two trees we offset 0.6 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of driving 1,466 miles in a standard car. We want to contribute towards helping save the planet!
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Lead Veterinary Surgeon employer: Menlo Park
Contact Detail:
Menlo Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the practice before your interview! Research their values, team dynamics, and the types of cases they handle. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their friendly, supportive team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience in both consulting and surgery, as well as your mentoring style. Being confident and clear about your skills will make you stand out as a candidate who can lead by example.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about the team structure, the support available for junior vets, and the potential for partnership opportunities. This shows that you’re thinking long-term and are keen to contribute to the practice's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’re here to help you every step of the way, and we can provide insights into the role and the practice. Plus, if this role isn’t quite right, we can help you find something that is!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for veterinary medicine shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for both consulting and surgery, so share specific experiences that highlight your love for the field.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Lead Veterinary Surgeon. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior vets and any leadership roles you've had. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us you can do that right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Menlo Park
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care and surgery. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you approached them. This shows you're not just experienced but also passionate about your work.
✨Show Your Mentoring Side
Since this role involves mentoring junior vets, think of examples where you've supported or guided colleagues in the past. Share stories that highlight your leadership skills and how you foster a collaborative environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Prepare for scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills in both consulting and surgical situations. Think through how you'd handle common challenges in a practice setting, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready about the practice's culture, future goals, or partnership opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
