Veterinary Surgeon

Veterinary Surgeon

Dartford Full-Time 34000 - 51000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Menlo Park

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a supportive practice as a Veterinary Surgeon, enjoying clinical freedom and flexible hours.
  • Company: An independent surgery with a 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 license and at least six months post-qualification experience.
  • Other info: Opportunities for partnership and a commitment to environmental sustainability through tree planting.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.

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

Interested in this role You can find all the relevant information in the description below.
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

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. xiskglj 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

Veterinary Surgeon employer: Menlo Park

Join a supportive and independent veterinary practice in Dudley that prioritises clinical freedom and employee well-being. With a strong focus on professional development, including funded CPD and opportunities for specialisation, you will thrive in a relaxed work environment where you can even bring your dog to work. Enjoy generous benefits such as five weeks of holiday, a pension scheme, and the chance to build lasting relationships with a loyal client base.
Menlo Park

Contact Detail:

Menlo Park Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon

Tip Number 1

Network with other veterinary professionals in your area. Attend local veterinary events or join online forums to connect with others who may have insights about the practice and its culture.

Tip Number 2

Research the practice's reputation and client base. Understanding their values and approach to animal care can help you tailor your conversation during interviews, showing that you're a great fit for their team.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your clinical experiences and how they align with the practice's philosophy. Highlight any specific cases or situations where you demonstrated your commitment to animal welfare and client satisfaction.

Tip Number 4

Be ready to express your interest in professional development opportunities. Mention any specialisations you’re considering or certifications you’d like to pursue, as this shows your commitment to growth within the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon

Veterinary Medicine
Clinical Skills
Animal Care
Communication Skills
Client Relationship Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Surgical Skills
Diagnostic Skills
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Compassion and Empathy

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.

Highlight Your Experience: Since a minimum of six months' experience is required, be sure to detail your previous roles, responsibilities, and any achievements that demonstrate your capability and readiness for this position.

Show Enthusiasm for Professional Development: Express your eagerness to pursue further education and certifications. Mention any specific areas of interest or specialisation you wish to develop, which aligns with the practice's commitment to teaching and professional 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 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 specialisations you may have. Mention any relevant cases you've handled that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.

Discuss Your Approach to Client Relationships

This practice values a pragmatic approach to client care. Be ready to talk about how you build rapport with clients and handle difficult conversations, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their pet's treatment.

Ask About Professional Development Opportunities

Since the practice supports ongoing education and specialisation, ask about the opportunities available for further training or certifications. This shows your eagerness to grow within the role and contribute to the practice's success.

Veterinary Surgeon
Menlo Park
Location: Dartford

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