Permanent Vet at Sundean Vets, Lydney
Up to £65,000 (DOE) pro rata
Relocation support of up to £5000 & welcome bonus of £5000 (pro rata)
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.
We're excited to be accepting applications for a vet to join our wonderful team. The position will be based at our Lydney site, but there will be occasional cover at our Cinderford branch to support the team during holidays and periods of leave. The role offers a broad and interesting caseload, including: consultations and medical case management, routine soft tissue surgery, dentistry, preventative healthcare, diagnostic work-ups, chronic disease management and urgent/emergency cases that arise during normal working hours. Whether you're particularly interested in medicine, imaging, dentistry, surgery or another area of first-opinion practice, we'd be keen to help you develop that interest.
Hours of work
Ideally, we're looking for someone to cover a full-time position for 40 hours per week. There's also the shared 1:6 Saturday morning rota (09:00 - 13:00). There are no out of hours or on call required. We're happy to discuss alternative working patterns for the right candidate.
About Us
We're an experienced, close-knit team, with many of our Veterinary Surgeons bringing 9+ years of experience in practice. Across our Lydney and Cinderford teams, we have colleagues with advanced training in Small Animal Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging and Dentistry, giving you access to a wealth of knowledge and experience within the group. We're also proud of our staff retention. Many members of our team have been with us for a very long time, and we have seen colleagues join us early in their careers and develop their skills and clinical interests while staying as part of the Sundean family. We have a genuinely supportive, friendly and fun family culture. We know each other well, look out for each other when things get busy and enjoy working together. You'll have experienced colleagues around you to discuss cases with, bounce ideas off and ask for advice when you need it.
A Wonderful Area to Thrive In
Lydney is a historic market town on the edge of the Forest of Dean and River Severn, offering a great combination of countryside, community and accessibility. If you enjoy getting outside, you'll be spoilt for choice. The Forest of Dean offers miles of woodland walks and cycling routes, while the wider Wye Valley provides opportunities for walking, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Lydney itself has a friendly local community, independent cafés, pubs and restaurants, a picturesque harbour and riverside walks. The surrounding area offers plenty to explore. For those wanting the benefits of rural living without feeling isolated, Lydney is particularly well placed. Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham and South Wales are all within easy reach, while the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are right on your doorstep.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a confident and motivated Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high-quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
- Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
- A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
- Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care
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:
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
- Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
- Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
- 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 & 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.
Up to £65,000 DOE
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨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 Sundean Veterinary Clinic often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
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 Sundean Veterinary Clinic
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Sundean Veterinary Clinic. 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 Sundean Veterinary Clinic.
✨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 Sundean Veterinary Clinic.
✨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 Sundean Veterinary Clinic.
