Senior Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a 4-day week position based at the heart of Plaistow, in East London, surrounded by the vibrant character of Billingsgate fish market, E Pellicci's iconic cafe, and the Columbia Road Flower Market. You'll be working in a well-established practice that has earned ISFM accreditation for its commitment to feline welfare and continues to serve the local community with dependable diagnostic and surgical care.

You'll join an energetic team comprising a part-time veterinary surgeon, senior RVN, RVN, and enthusiastic trainee nurses. With a 1:4 branch Saturday rota and 1:8 Sunday rotation at Wanstead Hospital, plus bank holiday cover on a last-resort on-call basis, you'll enjoy genuine work-life balance while staying clinically sharp. Leadership training is provided to support you in your senior role.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion GP care in a fast-paced branch environment, building strong rapport with clients and their animals
• Provide diagnostic and surgical services, utilising in-house digital x-ray, dental x-ray, and ultrasound facilities
• Support the practice's specialist interest in feline medicine, benefiting from ISFM-accredited protocols
• Collaborate with Wanstead 24-hour hospital for advanced referrals and out-of-hours hospitalisation
• Take leadership responsibilities within your senior role, mentoring RVNs and trainee nurses
• Participate in the shared Saturday and Sunday rotas as described

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with RCVS registration
• Proven experience in busy GP branch practice
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a diverse caseload
• Ability to build strong client and team relationships
• Willingness to engage in leadership and mentoring

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £60,000 to £90,000 FTE, depending on experience
• 4-day week working pattern
• 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
• Up to £2,000 CPD budget annually, plus up to 5 days paid CPD leave
• Private Medical Healthcare Insurance with Bupa
• Generous relocation assistance where applicable
• Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
• Colleague introduction reward for referring vets and RVNs
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Medical cashback plan covering dental, physiotherapy, optician, chiropractic, and other routine costs
• Professional membership fees covered
• Shopping discounts and generous colleague discounts
• Petplan 20% colleague discount

About the Practice

Plaistow is part of Goddard Veterinary Group, a long-established practice that celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022 and now operates 46 branches, three hospitals, and its own nurse training college. The practice holds ISFM accreditation and is supported by Wanstead 24-hour hospital for advanced and out-of-hours care. Excellent transport links are available, with Upton Park station on the Circle Line just a 10-minute walk away, connecting to London Liverpool Street and beyond.

Goddard values all colleagues through a forward-looking approach: a Colleague Forum ensures staff voices are heard, monthly Town Hall meetings provide real-time updates and live Q&As with the board, and all senior managers are mental health first aid trained. Wellness plans are offered to all new starters.