Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll work across two branches in the beautiful Sussex countryside—Lewes and Woodingdean, just 8 miles apart—in a full-time role with flexible working considered. This is branch leadership without the isolation: you’ll manage your own caseload with sole charge responsibility, but with the reassurance of a friendly wider team and specialist support from Coastway’s central Brighton hospital whenever needed.

The blend of locations gives you variety and community connection. Lewes, a historic market town nestled in the South Downs National Park, offers a real sense of place, while Woodingdean provides charming village practice experience. You’re also just a short drive from Brighton and Hove, with excellent rail links to London and easy access to Gatwick airport.

A manageable 1:15 second on-call rota shares OOH duties fairly across the team, so you’re supporting nights and weekends rather than carrying the weight alone.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent clinical leadership at both Lewes and Woodingdean branches, managing your own cases from initial consultation through treatment and follow-up
• Deliver consulting work at both sites (2–3 days at Lewes, 2–3 mornings at Woodingdean)
• Perform routine surgical procedures at Lewes branch
• Work every other Saturday morning at Lewes
• Participate in 1:15 second on-call rota to support the practice’s night and weekend emergency service
• Build and nurture client relationships, helping shape and grow the client base at both branches
• Collaborate with the wider Coastway team and escalate complex cases to the central Brighton hospital when appropriate

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with confident clinical skills and branch management experience
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities
• Ability to work independently while maintaining professional relationships with colleagues
• Willingness to take on-call rota responsibility

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £60,000 depending on experience
• Holiday: 6.6 weeks paid leave including bank holidays (pro rata)
• CPD & Learning: £1,750 CPD allowance per annum, with access to in-house and external training
• Professional Memberships: RCVS membership paid, plus two additional professional memberships
• Health & Wellbeing: Health Shield covering dentistry, sports massage, and a range of health treatments
• VDS cover included
• Enhanced family leave: Generous paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and surrogacy pay
• Additional perks: Discounted veterinary fees, Cycle to Work scheme, My Perks (shopping, travel, entertainment discounts and cashback)
• Workplace culture: Company sick pay, colleague engagement initiatives, annual pay reviews, and dedicated focus on employee wellbeing
• Career development: Clear progression opportunities within the VetPartners group

About the Practice

Coastway Veterinary Group has been serving the East Sussex community for 45 years, building a reputation for excellence in veterinary medicine. The practice operates five fully equipped branch practices across the region plus a large central hospital in Brighton, and runs the region’s biggest emergency veterinary service. The team of passionate professionals is dedicated to delivering outstanding care and maintaining strong community connections.

As a proud member of the VetPartners family, Coastway combines the expertise and resources of a larger group with the personal touch of community-based care. The culture emphasises collaboration, wellbeing, and giving back—the team regularly supports local charities, organises community events, and creates an atmosphere of friendliness and support. Newly awarded Employer of the Year, VetPartners is committed to being a progressive, supportive workplace where vets can thrive.