Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Northlands Veterinary Hospital is looking for an experienced small animal vet to join their expanding team at their modern hospital in Kettering. This is a full-time permanent position offering genuine flexibility—you can choose between a 4-day or 5-day week to suit your lifestyle. The role comes with a manageable 1:8 weekend rota (daytime only, Saturday and Sunday) plus an additional 1:8 short shift option, with time off in lieu for weekend work. Crucially, there are no night shifts or out-of-hours duties for the day team; the practice employs a dedicated night vet team, so your evenings and nights remain your own.

You’ll be joining a collaborative, evidence-based practice that genuinely invests in its people. The team holds twice-daily clinical rounds for shared learning, offers regular in-house training, and provides three ‘reset days’ per year for focused professional development. Mental health support is taken seriously here—the practice partners with Mind and has a dedicated support worker visiting monthly.

Located in the heart of Kettering, a charming market town surrounded by beautiful countryside, the practice sits on the border of Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. The area offers excellent road and rail links with Cambridge, London, Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby all within an hour’s reach.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality small animal clinical care across general and soft tissue procedures
• Work collaboratively with the 14-vet team, contributing to twice-daily clinical rounds and shared case management
• Utilise state-of-the-art facilities including CT scanner, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, advanced ultrasound with cardiac capabilities, and two theatres to manage cases in-house
• Work alongside the large, highly skilled nursing team and benefit from an on-site Advanced Practitioner in small animal surgery (present three days weekly) for complex orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures
• Follow up and work through your own cases, supported by a practice culture that encourages clinical ownership and continuous learning
• Participate in regular in-house training and contribute to an evidence-based approach to improving clinical standards

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) with some practical experience post-graduation
• Strong clinical skills and genuine interest in small animal medicine and surgery
• Collaborative approach to working; ability to engage constructively with team feedback and clinical discussion
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000–£70,000 depending on experience
• Time off: 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays, plus time off in lieu for weekend shifts
• CPD: £1,750 annual allowance and 5 CPD days, with additional days supported as needed; certificates funded
• Professional memberships: RCVS and VDS fees paid, plus one membership of your choice
• Relocation support: Relocation package and temporary accommodation available
• Health & wellbeing: Healthshield Personal Health Plan, Employee Assistance Program, and dedicated mental health support via Mind partnership
• Family-friendly: Enhanced paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and surrogacy pay
• Perks: Discounted vet fees, My Perks (offers, discounts, and cashback on shopping, travel, entertainment)

About the Practice

Northlands Veterinary Hospital is part of the Northlands Group, established in the 1960s and now operating a multi-centre service across Northamptonshire. The Kettering hospital, which opened in 2021 and recently relocated to new premises at 6 Station Road, houses impressive state-of-the-art facilities. The practice also operates six stand-alone branch surgeries across the region, with a dedicated out-of-hours team providing 24-hour emergency cover.

The team includes 14 vets with diverse experience—from new graduates to those with over 40 years in practice—and wide-ranging clinical interests including internal medicine, neurology, and cardiology. Hans, the Hospital Director, specialises in soft tissue surgery and ultrasound. Kim and Simon lead a dedicated Cat & Rabbit Clinic with such a strong reputation that clients travel from across the UK and Europe for their expertise. The practice is actively committed to developing talent from the local community, offering training pathways for veterinary care assistants and student nurses, and welcoming veterinary students for placements. A large, highly skilled nursing team supports clinical excellence and ensures smooth daily operations.