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- Tasks: Join a supportive practice as a Veterinary Surgeon with clinical freedom and flexible hours.
- Company: An independent surgery known for its great local reputation and outstanding staff retention.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, funded CPD, a pension scheme, and bring your dog to work!
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team focused on animal care and professional development.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid UK veterinary license and at least six months post-qualification experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for partnership and a commitment to environmental sustainability through tree planting.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Job Description
An established, first-opinion small animal practice in the Southeast is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their stable, supportive team. This is a replacement role within a well-run practice with low staff turnover, strong clinical standards and a genuine focus on work–life balance. The team is not rushed to hire and is happy to wait for the right person.
Salary – £60,000 – £70,000
The exact salary within this banding will be awarded commensurate on experience.
Location
Salfords, Surrey
Established first-opinion small animal practice, opened in 2018 and extended in 2021. The practice is operating at capacity with a loyal, established client base and high standards of care.
The Role
- 4-day working week
- 10-hour days with a paid 30-minute lunch
- Vets finish at 6:30pm; phones off after 6pm
- Opportunity to leave early if work is completed
- Part-time considered alongside another hire
Weekend rota:
- 1 in 3 Saturdays (8am–4pm)
- TOIL for each Saturday worked
- Potential to move to 1 in 6 Saturdays if an additional part-time vet joins
Working pattern:
- Mix of consulting and operating
- 15-minute consults as standard
- Longer consults for complex cases, new clients and euthanasia
- Blocked end-of-day admin time
- Same-day appointments always held back
Out-of-hours:
- Currently supported via a sister hospital
- Long-term plan to move to fully in-house 24/7 care at group level
Candidate Requirements
- Experienced, self-sufficient GP veterinary surgeon
- Confident managing their own caseload
- Comfortable with routine soft tissue surgery and dentals
- Able to “hit the ground running” without placing pressure on the team
- Happy to support and potentially train new graduates in the future
- Openness to mentoring or GDP Adviser responsibilities is advantageous but not essential
Special interests such as dermatology, surgery, behaviour or cardiology are welcomed, the role can be shaped accordingly.
Practice Overview
- First-opinion small animal practice
- Stable team with low staff turnover
- Strong leadership with an organised, structured and supportive management style
- Excellent nurse, reception and PCA support on site
Facilities include:
- Ultrasound
- Dental X-ray (separate prep room)
- Laser
- Diathermy
- Suction
- Video equipment
- Separate theatre and prep areas
- Access to endoscopy and advanced equipment at a sister branch
Across the wider group there are certificate holders and special interests in dermatology, behaviour, cardiology, orthopaedics and exotics.
Culture and Development
- Open-door, supportive culture
- Daily case discussion encouraged
- Strong mentoring environment
- Emphasis on finishing on time and maintaining balance
- Collaborative team that covers for one another
- Christmas and summer social events
The practice prides itself on non-corporate values, flexibility, high clinical standards and long-term stability.
Benefits
- Salary: £45,000 – £70,000 DOE
- 4-day working week
- 5 weeks holiday, increasing with service
- Option to buy an additional week of leave
- January / February annual leave incentive
- £1,500 CPD allowance plus paid CPD leave
- Certificate support available
- RCVS fees plus one additional membership paid
- Staff discounts on treatments, food and products
- Direct insurance claims supported
Next steps:
For 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!
Josh Deacon
JBRP1_UKTJ
Veterinary Surgeon employer: Menlo Park
Contact Detail:
Menlo Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Research the practice thoroughly before your interview. Understand their philosophy of care and how they prioritise animal welfare. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your clinical experiences in detail, especially those that highlight your ability to work independently. Since they value clinical freedom, showcasing your decision-making skills and past successes will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your professional development goals. The practice supports further education and specialisation, so expressing your desire to grow and learn will resonate well with them.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have a dog, mention it during your conversation! Since they allow pets at work, this could be a great way to connect with the team and show that you share their values of a relaxed and supportive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Veterinary Surgeon. Include specific details about your clinical skills, any specialisations, and your approach to patient care that aligns with the practice's philosophy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for veterinary medicine and your desire to work in a supportive environment. Mention how you can contribute to the practice's reputation and client relationships.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, emphasise your minimum six months of post-qualification experience. Provide examples of your clinical decision-making and any unique cases you've handled that demonstrate your capabilities.
Express Your Interest in Professional Development: Mention your enthusiasm for continued education and professional development. Highlight any certifications you wish to pursue and how they align with the practice's commitment to teaching and growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Menlo Park
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
During the interview, express your genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond in your previous roles to ensure the best care for your patients.
✨Highlight Your Experience
With a minimum of six months' experience required, be prepared to discuss your clinical skills and any special cases you've handled. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Ask About Professional Development
Since the practice values education and offers funding for CPD, ask about opportunities for further training or specialisation. This shows your eagerness to grow and learn within the profession.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Client Relationships
Talk about your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and how you build strong relationships with clients. This is crucial in a practice that prides itself on a supportive environment and a loyal client base.