Senior Equine Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Blaircourt Equine Veterinary Clinic is seeking an experienced Senior Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join its dynamic clinical team on a permanent basis. This full-time position (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) includes participation in a shared out-of-hours rota, offering the rare combination of structured daytime work with manageable emergency cover.

You'll lead a varied caseload spanning ambulatory visits, orthopaedic investigations, performance diagnostics, and surgical procedures. The role is ideal for a senior clinician who enjoys mentoring colleagues while delivering exceptional patient care to a diverse client base, from leisure horse owners to international competition yards. The practice is ideally situated in the Essex countryside close to Chelmsford, with excellent transport links to London and the South East, yet surrounded by a thriving equestrian community.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied equine caseload including ambulatory work, orthopaedic and performance-related investigations
• Perform and support a range of equine surgical procedures using the clinic's comprehensive surgical facilities
• Deliver exceptional levels of patient and client care, building strong relationships across leisure and professional competition yards
• Support and mentor colleagues within the clinical team, contributing to their ongoing development
• Contribute to the continued development of the practice and its clinical services

Requirements

• RCVS registration with a veterinary degree (BVSc, BVetMed, or equivalent)
• Significant experience within equine practice
• Confidence managing a varied ambulatory and clinical caseload
• Strong interest in orthopaedic and performance investigations
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Experience mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues (essential)
• Proactive, flexible, and supportive approach to practice life

Benefits

• Salary up to £85,000 depending on experience
• Relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Welcome bonus up to £2,000
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• Company pension scheme (5% Employee / 3% Employer contribution)
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Blaircourt Equine Veterinary Clinic has been established for over 30 years, with its main clinic and branch practice situated in Woodham Ferrers, slightly south east of Chelmsford. The practice is part of inspiring vet care (IVC Evidensia), the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice philosophy centres on using the highest level of diagnostics and treatment appropriate to each case while maintaining care, compassion, and common sense. Leadership partners Mark Meter, Patrick Traill, and Ralph Hege have driven significant growth since April 2003 by emphasising up-to-date diagnostic methods and top-class treatment, whilst fostering honest and trusting client-vet relationships.

The clinic is well-equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and gastroscopy, laser therapy and surgical equipment, arthroscopy facilities, gait analysis technology, specialised dental equipment, examination rooms, surgical facilities, stabling and isolation facilities, and in-house laboratory facilities. The team is supported by experienced and committed management, reception, and nursing staff with a strong emphasis on teamwork, clinical standards, and continuous development.