Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining 1066 Veterinary Centre, a well-established practice serving the Hastings and Bexhill area with a varied caseload and high client numbers. This role offers genuine flexibility: work across both the St Leonards and Bexhill sites (or base yourself at one if you prefer), with a company car provided for travel. With 4–5 days per week, hours typically running 8:30 am–7:00 pm plus a Saturday rota (8:00 am–12:00 pm, usually 1 in 4 weeks), you’ll enjoy a proper work-life balance—crucially, there are no out-of-hours or bank holiday duties.

The practice sits in a charming East Sussex coastal town with stunning countryside and access to Brighton (45 minutes), London (1 hour), and Gatwick. Think coastal promenades, historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and festivals like the famous Bonfire Night parade. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or art lover, there’s genuine lifestyle appeal here.

You’ll work within a small, supportive team led by an experienced Practice Manager. The team includes fellow vets (one holds an Orthopaedic certificate), 3 dedicated nurses, 1 student nurse, and 2 support staff members. The culture is genuinely kind, encouraging, and collaborative—ideas and input are welcomed in regular team meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct daily consultations and surgical procedures across both sites
• Manage in-patient care, diagnostic workups, and client callbacks
• Prescriptions and occasional house visits
• Contribute to a high-quality standard of care for clients and patients
• Engage with local charitable work, including RSPCA Neutering Scheme participation for cats and bull-breeds

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Experience in small animal practice
• Full UK driving licence (for travel between sites)
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt shift patterns to suit practice and personal preferences

Benefits

• Competitive salary: Up to £75,000 DOE, plus welcome bonus up to £5,000 and relocation allowance up to £8,000
• Accommodation: Fully furnished 1-bedroom flat available
• Time off: 6.6 weeks annual leave, plus additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• CPD & Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid pro rata; certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy; Vetlexicon online resource; research funding available; £1,250 per annum via Care Fund
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay); Cycle to Work scheme; non-accidental injury support
• Professional memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees covered
• Additional perks: Pawsome Benefits (reward gateway with 100+ retailers offering discounts and cashback); 5% employee/3% employer pension; discounted staff pet care; Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme

About the Practice

1066 Veterinary Centre is a well-established practice in St Leonards-on-Sea serving the Hastings and Bexhill area. The practice is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and laboratory equipment, including digital X-ray, Doppler ultrasound, endoscopy, and blood analysers. The team is committed to professional development and supports CPD, certifications, and postgraduate qualifications. Part of IVC Evidensia (part of Mars Veterinary Health), the practice maintains an independent ethos while benefiting from group resources and support.

The practice works with local charities and participates in the RSPCA Neutering Scheme for cats and bull-breeds, reflecting a genuine commitment to community care alongside everyday small animal practice.