Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Equine

About the Role

You’ll join an established RCVS-accredited equine hospital set in the East Sussex countryside just outside Lewes, a vibrant market town with easy access to Brighton, Gatwick (30 minutes), and London Victoria (1 hour). This is a genuine opportunity to develop your own caseload and clinical interests with the backing of a specialist Equine Sports Medicine resident and a dedicated nursing team.

The role offers flexibility in how you work—whether hospital-based surgical and medical cases or field ambulatory procedures—supported by experienced Equine Nurses. A 1:5 out-of-hours rota applies, but 50% is outsourced, so on alternate weeks you’ll only cover hospital admissions and inpatient care. You’ll contribute to a positive clinical culture while continuing your own professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across varied equine cases (medical, surgical, ambulatory, and field work)
• Build and manage your own caseload with support from the Equine Sports Medicine specialist and clinical team
• Collaborate with Equine Nurses on inpatient care and surgical support across 20 inpatient stables
• Share your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing to the practice’s clinical development
• Participate in the 1:5 out-of-hours rota (50% outsourced to partner providers)
• Utilise in-house laboratory facilities for haematological and biochemical testing
• Support diagnostic and surgical procedures using hospital and ambulatory equipment

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical equine practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle (essential for ambulatory work)
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, openness to feedback, and commitment to professional development
• Team-focused mindset with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Professionalism and reliability

Benefits

• Leave & Flexibility: 6.6 weeks annual leave, additional holiday entitlement for your birthday, flexible working options
• Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid pro rata, access to IVC Evidensia Academy training, certificate support, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, research funding opportunities, regional clinical coaches and mentors
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay, Cycle to Work scheme, non-accidental injury support
• Professional Support: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees paid
• Pension: 5% employee / 3% employer contribution
• Additional Perks: Pawsome Benefits (discounts and cashback with 100+ retailers), discounted staff pet care, £1,250 annual Care Fund allowance per vet
• Career Progression: Clear pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Cliffe Equine Hospital is an RCVS-accredited equine hospital offering comprehensive surgical, medical, and ambulatory care. The practice features 20 inpatient stables, full surgical and hospital facilities, dedicated diagnostic equipment, and an in-house laboratory for rapid testing. Routine dental care is handled by dedicated Equine Dental Technicians, freeing vets to focus on complex cases and specialist interests.

The hospital is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting careers without limits through investment in learning, innovation, wellbeing, and clinical development at every career stage.