Senior Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Nestled in the charming riverside village of Putney, this first opinion practice sits just a stone’s throw from the River Thames and Putney High Street—the perfect blend of vibrant London living with a true village atmosphere. You’ll be joining a practice in the midst of an exciting new chapter: the team is actively recruiting a senior RVN, giving you the rare opportunity to build up the clinical team from scratch alongside colleagues you genuinely want to work with.

This is a part-time senior position working Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with a manageable crossover shift on Mondays to help with peak demand. Your rota includes a 1:3 branch Saturday rotation and 1:10 hospital Sunday rota, plus one bank holiday per year—but importantly, there are no on-call requirements. You’ll be fully supported by Goddard’s 24-hour Stone Lion hospital just 15 minutes away, plus a dedicated regional manager and the clinical expertise of the regional head vet.

If you have experience in diagnostic imaging, the practice has recently invested in ultrasound facilities. The client base is genuinely invested in their pets’ care, with many insured, and the support team are passionate about building lasting relationships and delivering exemplary patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consultations and carry out surgery within your scope of competence, with clear referral pathways to GVG hospitals for complex cases
• Oversee prescription request administration to ensure timely processing, accurate dispensing, payment, and return of uncollected items in line with company policy
• Manage the consulting and surgical/diagnostic diaries in compliance with practice policies
• Conduct site-level inductions for new starters and locums
• Schedule regular branch meetings, ensure minutes are taken, and track action completion
• Maintain accurate, thorough clinical records and ensure patient histories are comprehensive and useful to colleagues
• Oversee prescription requests together with the senior RVN to maintain clinical standards
• Foster a respectful, collaborative team environment
• Refer cases appropriately and in a timely manner when necessary

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with the ability to work at a senior level
• Experience in small animal first opinion practice (ideally several years)
• Leadership experience or willingness to develop in this area (training will be provided if this is your first official leadership role)
• Strong clinical judgment and knowledge of evidence-based best practice
• Excellent communication and team-building skills
• Commitment to high clinical standards and client care

Benefits

• Salary: £53,120 to £70,550 (FTE equivalent £64,000 to £85,000 based on 40-hour week), depending on experience and development in role
• 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata)
• Up to £2,000 CPD budget every year plus up to 5 days’ paid CPD leave (pro rata)
• Private Medical Healthcare Insurance with Bupa
• Generous relocation assistance (where applicable)
• Leadership training provided if this is your first formal leadership position
• Refer-a-friend bonus available (particularly relevant if you know a senior RVN also seeking a new opportunity)
• Support from a dedicated regional manager and access to the regional head vet’s clinical and management expertise

About the Practice

Goddard Veterinary Group is one of London’s largest veterinary employers, established in 1952 and now operating 44 neighbourhood practices, three 24-hour hospitals, a nursing college, and an expanding contact centre. The group is known for genuinely caring for its people: over 20% of staff have been with them for 10+ years, and they hold many 5-star employee reviews on Indeed. All senior managers are Mental Health First Aid trained, and the group runs wellness plans for new starters. Goddard operates a Colleague Forum to listen to staff perspectives and regularly holds virtual town halls, reflecting their commitment to making decisions that benefit their people.

The practice is forward-thinking, with an ongoing programme of equipment investment and refurbishment across its clinics. Staff benefit from easy access to London’s attractions—parks, bars, theatres, and cultural venues—all within reach from Putney’s convenient location.