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- Tasks: Lead a small animal practice, providing exceptional care and managing diverse cases.
- Company: Join Unicorn Vets, a trusted name in Southampton for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Earn up to £75,000, plus relocation and welcome bonuses, with generous leave and CPD support.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy and the chance to shape your practice while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with a passion for patient care and leadership.
- Other info: Experience coastal living in Southampton with great outdoor activities and city conveniences.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary up to £75,000 DOE, Up to £5,000 Relocation Allowance, plus Up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus. Unicorn Vets has been proudly serving the Southampton area for over 30 years and is now offering an exciting opportunity for a confident Senior Veterinary Surgeon to take full clinical ownership of one of our practices. This role is ideal for an experienced vet who enjoys autonomy, leadership and the freedom to drive a practice forward while delivering outstanding patient care.
A Caseload That Rewards Confidence and Continuity
You will see a varied small animal caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries, with a strong balance between consultations and surgery throughout the day. Case continuity is actively encouraged, allowing you to manage and develop cases to a high standard, while having the option to refer where appropriate. This role offers real scope to grow the practice, shape services and pursue your own clinical interests with a high level of independence.
A Well-Equipped Practice with Investment Ahead
Unicorn Vets operates from two long-standing practices in Southampton, Fairfield and Park, both of which have served the community for over three decades. This role will be primarily based at our Park branch, giving you the opportunity to truly make the practice your own. The Park branch is set within a converted house and is currently being prepared for an upcoming refurbishment. In the meantime, you will be well supported with excellent facilities including digital X‐ray, in‐house haematology and biochemistry with extended panels such as SDMA and T4, ultrasound with echocardiography, endoscopy, capnography, tonometry and ECG. The setup allows you to work cases up thoroughly and confidently.
A Working Pattern That Supports Balance
This is a full‐time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days with a mixture of early and late shifts. You will take part in a one in six Saturday morning rota from 8:30am to 12:30pm, with no out‐of‐hours or on‐call work. Part‐time applications are also very welcome and can be discussed to suit the right candidate.
Sole Charge with Support Where It Counts
This is a sole charge position, ideal for a confident and experienced vet who enjoys independence. You will be supported day‐to‐day by two RVNs and a receptionist, with additional support available from the wider group and neighbouring branches whenever needed. If you have an interest in completing a certificate or expanding your clinical expertise, this will be fully supported. Continued learning and professional development are actively encouraged for those passionate about progressing their skills.
Living and Working in Southampton
Southampton offers a fantastic lifestyle, combining coastal living with city convenience. With easy access to the New Forest, the South Downs and the Solent coastline, the area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, sailing, walking and green spaces. The city also offers excellent shopping, dining and cultural attractions, alongside strong transport links including direct trains to London, making it a great place to build both a career and a life.
Because our people matter
- Work‐life balance
- 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- Well‐being
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
- Development
- £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave
- Certificate support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
- All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
- All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
- Professional Memberships
- BVA membership
- VDS cover
- RCVS Fees
- Colleague Benefits
- Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
- Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
- Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
- Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
- Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme
- Quality Improvement Programme
Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in London employer: Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery
Contact Detail:
Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local meet-ups, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best cases and experiences. When you get that interview, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how you can contribute to Unicorn Vets.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Unicorn Vets.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your clinical ownership, leadership experience, and any specific interests in small animal care to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary medicine and how you envision contributing to Unicorn Vets. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about the opportunity to work in Southampton!
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your confidence in handling a varied caseload. Include examples of cases you've managed, especially those that demonstrate your ability to work independently and lead a team. This will help us understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easier for both of us, please apply through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to the right people. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicorn Vets - Park Surgery
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you approached them. This shows confidence and continuity in your practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves taking full clinical ownership, highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've driven a practice forward or mentored junior staff. This will demonstrate that you're ready for the autonomy this position offers.
✨Understand the Practice's Vision
Research Unicorn Vets and their approach to patient care. Familiarise yourself with their facilities and any recent developments. Showing that you align with their values and are excited about contributing to their growth can set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their plans for the upcoming refurbishment or how they support continued learning. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the practice is the right fit for you.
