Veterinary Surgeon / Lead Vet

About the Role

This is a varied position combining consultations, surgery, and some sole charge work across Cinque Ports Veterinary Group's Rye, Tenterden, and Hawkhurst practices, with the option to spend one day per week at the Kingsnorth Hospital. You'll have the genuine opportunity to step into or develop towards a Lead Vet position, building clinical confidence and taking ownership of cases with the support of an experienced wider team.

Full-time or part-time arrangements are considered, with flexibility around working patterns (40 hours over 4 days, 08:30-18:30, plus one in five Saturdays 08:30-16:30). Mondays and Tuesdays are fixed working days. Crucially, there is no out-of-hours commitment; overnight emergency care is provided by Vets Now at the Kingsnorth Hospital.

You'll enjoy a 50/50 split between consults and surgery, offering strong clinical variety and exposure to a wide caseload across branch and hospital settings. The collaborative team culture prioritises shared learning and development, with regular opportunities to connect with colleagues and specialists across the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient consultations and routine surgical procedures
• Work cases up to a high standard with access to hospital facilities and experienced colleagues when required
• Manage sole charge sessions, supported by the wider team and practice protocols
• Contribute to a positive team environment across multiple branch practices
• Develop clinical skills and work towards leadership responsibilities if progressing to Lead Vet role
• Support team learning and knowledge sharing within the group

Requirements

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with a minimum of 3 years UK experience
• Confident in both consultations and routine surgery
• Comfortable managing some sole charge work
• Strong communication skills and collaborative team player
• Committed to delivering high standards of patient and client care
• Interest in leadership or progression (desirable for Lead Vet applicants)
• Keen to study towards a medical certificate (ideal but not essential)

Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• External CPD funded
• Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
• Career progression opportunities
• Staff discount schemes
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme
• Wellness programme including employee assistance, eyecare vouchers, free annual flu jab, and cycle-to-work scheme

About the Practice

Cinque Ports Veterinary Group is an RCVS-accredited practice with six well-established sites across Kent and East Sussex, supported by the Kingsnorth Hospital. The practice is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. At Rye, you will work alongside a dedicated and supportive team including a Lead Nurse and two part-time RVNs, with additional support from the wider group when needed.

Across the group, you will collaborate with experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses with interests in surgery, dermatology, dentistry, radiography, and anaesthesia. The practices are well-equipped with surgical suites, digital and dental x-ray, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory equipment. Kingsnorth Hospital is RCVS-accredited with Gold ISFM accreditation, providing 24/7 emergency care and staffed with 8 RVNs, 2 PCAs, and 2 SVNs.