Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

You'll deliver a varied first opinion caseload combining consulting and surgery at Highcroft, a longstanding small animal practice in Hailsham with strong roots in the community. This is a daytime-only position with no out-of-hours commitment, offering real work-life balance. You'll work alongside an experienced team of three veterinary surgeons who actively share knowledge and support one another, making this an ideal role whether you're an experienced vet or someone looking to develop your skills in a genuinely supportive environment.

The practice operates across two locations: the main Hailsham surgery (with comprehensive diagnostic and surgical facilities) and the Polegate wellness clinic four miles away, focused on preventative care and routine work. Shifts are predictable, typically 8:00am to 7:00pm across a 40-hour week, issued 12 weeks in advance so you can plan your life with confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a balanced mix of medical and surgical first opinion cases
• Work collaboratively with the clinical team of three veterinary surgeons, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive clinical culture
• Develop and expand your clinical skills and interests whilst supporting the ongoing development of colleagues
• Provide clinical leadership and excellent care across both Hailsham main practice and Polegate wellness clinic
• Contribute to the practice's commitment to high-quality care and client relationships

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current or eligible RCVS registration
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience, plus relocation allowance up to £5,000
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay covering maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

About the Practice

Highcroft has been a fixture in Hailsham since the 1940s and has been run by the current Director and Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Peter Stotesbury, since 1994. The practice treats small animals, farm animals, equines and exotics across two locations. The main Hailsham surgery features spacious consulting rooms, a full digital radiology suite with ultrasound, dedicated dental suite with radiography, in-house IDEXX laboratory including Lasercyte, surgical theatre with operating microscope and full patient monitoring, ophthalmology equipment including Tonopen, separate dog and cat wards, and a large secure garden area for inpatients. The Polegate branch, four miles away, focuses on preventative healthcare and routine care.

The team comprises four veterinary surgeons, nine veterinary nurses, a practice manager, three client care managers and two administrators. Highcroft is now part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals.