Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position at Cinque Ports Kingsnorth Hospital, working 40 hours per week across a mix of consulting and surgical shifts (8:00-18:00, 8:30-18:30 and 9:30-19:30 shifts, with 1 in 5 Saturdays). You’ll handle a varied caseload—everything from routine consults to complex surgical cases—supported by an experienced team of vets and RVNs who specialise in surgery, radiography, anaesthesia, dermatology, and dentistry.

The Kingsnorth site is an RCVS-Accredited Hospital with Gold ISFM Accreditation, providing 24/7 emergency care in partnership with Vets Now, so overnight inpatient cases are seamlessly handed over. You’ll never be working in isolation; the practice culture actively encourages collaboration, social engagement, and genuine professional development.

Located in Ashford, Kent, this role offers the best of both worlds: the breadth of a busy, modern hospital and the support of a close-knit clinical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct consultations and surgical procedures across the full range of small animal cases
• Work confidently as sole charge when scheduled, with immediate access to senior colleagues for support and discussion
• Contribute to case management and decision-making alongside the wider Cinque Ports group of vets
• Participate in a supportive team environment that values communication and flexible working practices
• Deliver high-quality patient care using the hospital’s extensive diagnostic and surgical facilities

Requirements

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Experience working both consultations and surgeries with confidence as sole charge
• Strong team player with a genuine passion for high-quality patient and client care
• Proactive and collaborative mindset that contributes positively to practice culture

Benefits

• Time Off: 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• Professional Development: RCVS and VDS fees paid; external CPD funded; extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme; career progression opportunities
• Wellbeing & Health: Life assurance; enhanced sickness pay; enhanced equal family leave; employee assistance programme; free annual flu jab; eyecare voucher scheme
• Financial & Lifestyle: Staff discount schemes; e-car salary sacrifice scheme; employer contribution pension scheme; cycle to work scheme
• Rewards: Recruitment referral reward scheme

About the Practice

Cinque Ports Veterinary Group is an RCVS-Accredited Practice operating 6 locations across Kent and East Sussex. The Kingsnorth Hospital site is their flagship facility, holding Gold ISFM Accreditation and providing round-the-clock emergency care (24/7, 365 days a year) in partnership with Vets Now. The practice is fully equipped with surgical suites, digital radiography, doppler ultrasonography, laparoscopic and endoscopic equipment, in-house laboratory facilities, ECG, ultrasound, dental x-ray, and more. Each branch has its own specialism while maintaining the capability to work up and surgically manage complex cases, supported by a full team of experienced RVNs who conduct nurse consultations and vaccination clinics. Cinque Ports are working towards their Bronze accreditation from Investors in the Environment (iiE), while the wider Linnaeus group holds Silver sustainability status.

Cinque Ports is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the world’s largest family-owned veterinary company. Being privately held, the group prioritises purpose-driven decision-making and long-term thinking over short-term profits. The wider Linnaeus network comprises over 6,000 associates with access to specialist expertise, global development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing package designed to support both physical and mental health.