About the Role
You'll be joining Coastway Veterinary Group's Shoreham branch, a modern, purpose-built practice serving the Sussex coast for over 45 years. This is a role for an experienced vet confident in sole charge work, delivering high-quality client care in a genuinely collaborative environment. The position is built around flexibility: ideally four days per week (three consulting days plus at least one theatre day), though consult-only arrangements can be discussed with the right candidate. You'll work a manageable 1:4 Saturday rota, with second on-call support to the group's central Brighton hospital (just 8 miles away) on a 1:15 week cycle.
Shoreham itself is a thriving coastal village—a five-minute walk to the River Adur Nature Reserve and fifteen minutes to the beach—making this an ideal location for vets seeking that work-life balance without sacrificing clinical challenge.
The team here is genuinely supportive and close-knit. As the Head Nurse describes it: "We are a close team who look to support one another." You'll be joining 2.5 vets, 4 RVNs (3 FTE), experienced receptionists, and a full-time ANA in a practice with an ISFM-accredited cat-friendly environment and access to excellent diagnostic and specialist support.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality primary veterinary care to a loyal, engaged client base
- Work confidently in sole charge during assigned shifts
- Lead consulting sessions (three days per week) with a focus on excellent client communication and contextualised care
- Contribute to theatre work and surgical cases (minimum one day per week)
- Participate in the 1:4 Saturday rota and 1:15 hospital on-call week rotation
- Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team including RVNs, receptionists, and ANA staff
- Support the practice's clinical interests and development culture
Requirements
- RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with proven experience in small animal practice
- Confidence and competence working in sole charge
- Excellent communication skills and a genuine team-focused approach
- Ability to deliver high-quality client service with contextualised care planning
- Flexibility and willingness to engage with the practice's collaborative culture
Benefits
- Salary: Up to £65,500 depending on experience (full-time equivalent)
- Flexible working: Part-time arrangements considered for the right candidate
- Annual leave: 6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays (pro rata)
- CPD: £1,750 annual CPD fund plus training support
- Health & Wellbeing: Health Shield membership covering dentistry, sports massage, and other treatments
- Professional memberships: RCVS membership paid, plus two additional memberships
- VDS cover: Included
- Family support: Enhanced paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and surrogacy pay
- Discounts: Discounted veterinary fees
- My Perks: Offers, discounts, and cashback on shopping, travel, entertainment, and more
- Cycle to Work scheme: Available
- Company sick pay: Competitive rates
- Career progression: Clear pathways within the VetPartners group
- Wellbeing focus: Colleague engagement surveys and strong emphasis on employee welfare
About the Practice
Coastway Veterinary Group has been caring for the region's pets for over 45 years, supported by a passionate, progressive team committed to delivering outstanding veterinary care. The group operates a purpose-built central Brighton hospital alongside five fully equipped branch practices, including the modern Shoreham clinic. The practice is RCVS-accredited and ISFM-accredited (cat-friendly), and provides out-of-hours cover for multiple local practices, creating an exceptional clinical environment with abundant learning opportunities.
The Shoreham branch itself features excellent facilities including dental X-ray, high-quality ultrasound, a dedicated theatre, separate dog and cat wards, and in-house lab diagnostics. Coastway is part of the VetPartners family and has been recognised as an Employer of the Year for outstanding team culture and support. The practice prioritises employee wellbeing and clinical development, with team members including multiple certificate holders and colleagues with diverse clinical interests.
