Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is your chance to work across a thriving multi-site practice in Kent and East Sussex, handling a rewarding mix of consultations, surgical cases, and periods of sole charge work. You’ll have access to a full range of diagnostic and surgical facilities, collaborative support from an experienced veterinary team, and the flexibility to shape your own working pattern – whether that’s 40 hours over 4 days, or a part-time arrangement that suits you better. With 1 in 5 Saturday mornings and the security of overnight emergency care provided by Vets Now at the group’s Kingsnorth Hospital, you’ll never feel out of your depth.

Based primarily at the Rye practice (with options to work at Tenterden or Hawkhurst), you’ll also have the opportunity to spend one day per week at the Kingsnorth Hospital if you wish, giving you exposure to more complex cases and continued professional development. This is small animal practice at its best – challenging enough to keep you engaged, but backed by genuine organisational support and a culture that values work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct veterinary consultations and surgical procedures, managing your own caseload with confidence
• Take periods of sole charge across the three branch practices, supported by experienced Registered Veterinary Nurses and access to senior vet guidance when needed
• Collaborate with the wider veterinary team to work up complex cases using the group’s extensive surgical, diagnostic, and medical facilities
• Contribute to the supportive, team-focused culture that Cinque Ports is known for – the team feedback speaks volumes about their leadership and communication
• Optionally develop specific clinical interests in surgery, radiography, anaesthesia, dermatology, or dentistry alongside the practice’s specialist-minded vets

Requirements

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Solid experience in both consultations and surgical work, with confidence working sole charge
• Strong team player with a genuine commitment to quality patient and client care
• Proactive and collaborative mindset – you thrive in supportive environments and contribute positively to team culture

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full
• Generous CPD support: external CPD funded, plus access to extensive free online Linnaeus CPD library
• Career progression opportunities across the Linnaeus group
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Enhanced sickness pay and enhanced equal family leave
• Life assurance
• Staff discount schemes
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme and cycle to work scheme
• Wellness programme including employee assistance, eyecare vouchers, and annual flu jabs
• Recruitment referral reward scheme

About the Practice

Cinque Ports is an RCVS-Accredited small animal practice operating across six sites in the Kent and East Sussex area, anchored by Kingsnorth Hospital – an RCVS-Accredited facility with Gold ISFM Accreditation. Each branch has its own character and specialisms while maintaining full surgical and diagnostic capacity. The group is exceptionally well-equipped: in-house laboratories, ECG, endoscopy, ultrasound, dental x-ray, digital radiography, doppler ultrasonography, laparoscopic equipment, video endoscope, and bronchoscope. Overnight emergency care is provided 24/7 by Vets Now at Kingsnorth, ensuring continuity of case management and seamless handovers. The practice is supported by experienced Registered Veterinary Nurses who conduct nurse consultations and vaccination clinics across all sites. Cinque Ports is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the world’s largest family-owned veterinary company, which means access to a vast network of specialists, development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.

The practice is working towards Bronze accreditation from Investors in the Environment (iiE), reflecting a commitment to sustainability alongside clinical excellence.