Senior GP Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Wanstead Veterinary Hospital is seeking an experienced GP veterinary surgeon from a hospital background to step into a senior position within a large, dynamic team. This full-time role combines clinical practice with mentorship and team leadership, working across consulting, surgery, ward, and emergency critical care. Your rota operates on a 6-weekly cycle averaging 40 hours per week, including a 1:3 Saturday and 1:6 Sunday weekend rotation, plus up to 2 bank holidays and last-resort on-call cover.

Located on the outskirts of urban Essex with excellent transport links (Central Line tube station within walking distance), Wanstead balances London accessibility with countryside relief. The area features green spaces, independent dining, and vibrant local amenities.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard GP clinical care across first opinion, emergency, and critical care caseloads
• Lead and mentor a team of junior and trainee veterinary surgeons, supporting their professional development
• Contribute to clinical standards and best practice across consulting, surgery, ward, and ECC departments
• Engage proactively with clients, setting the tone for excellent communication and care within the GP team
• Work collaboratively with a large multidisciplinary team including 27 RVNs, 14 SVNs, 7 VCAs, and experienced surgeons
• Support the hospital's internal referral network and advanced surgical programmes

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon
• Proven experience in a hospital or high-volume first-opinion setting
• Strong client communication and care focus
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and commitment to training junior colleagues
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Flexibility to work within a structured weekend and on-call rota

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £60,000 to £80,000 FTE per annum, dependent on experience
• 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
• CPD allowance of up to £2,000 per year plus 5 paid CPD days annually
• Private Medical Insurance with BUPA
• Relocation assistance where applicable
• Professional membership fees covered
• Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Medical cashback plan covering dental, physiotherapy, optician, and chiropractic costs
• Colleague introduction reward scheme
• Shopping discounts and generous colleague discounts
• Petplan 20% colleague discount

About the Practice

Wanstead Veterinary Hospital is a key facility within Goddard Veterinary Group, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022 and now operates 46 branches, three hospitals, and its own nurse training college. The hospital provides comprehensive first-opinion, emergency, critical care, and referral services to clients across a local network of 20 branches.

The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics including a CT scanner and commercial laboratory, supported by a strong medical team and experienced surgeons routinely conducting advanced orthopaedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive procedures. The team comprises approximately 25 vets, 27 RVNs, 14 SVNs, and 7 VCAs, supported by an established management structure including senior RVNs, deputy head nurses, a head nurse, head vet, and hospital manager. Goddard is known for its forward-thinking approach, including a Colleague Forum, monthly Town Hall meetings with board directors, and mental health first aid training for all senior managers.