Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

This is a full-time veterinary surgeon position based primarily at Orwell Vets' purpose-built Grange Farm Hospital, with regular time spent across two additional branches in Stutton and central Ipswich. You'll work across four days per week (or part-time if preferred), with Saturday mornings on a 1-in-5 rota and no out-of-hours commitments, making this an excellent opportunity for work-life balance. The practice is undergoing a major renovation, adding a new consult room and enhancing both clinical and front-of-house facilities.

You'll manage a varied and engaging caseload spanning dentistry, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, imaging, general medicine, laparoscopic procedures and emergency and critical care cases. Working alongside a clinical team of 6 vets, 8 RVNs and 9 support staff, you'll develop your clinical skills while contributing to a collaborative, values-led culture built on care and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality primary care across the three practice locations
• Work collaboratively with the clinical team on varied medical and surgical cases
• Support the development of colleagues and contribute to the positive clinical culture
• Share knowledge and experience while building strong client relationships
• Manage cases independently and as part of the wider clinical team

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• 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, openness to feedback and professional development
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Driving licence preferred but not essential

Benefits

• Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience
• Welcome bonus of up to £5,000
• Relocation allowance of up to £5,000
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for continuing professional development
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (where eligible)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including access to IVC Academy training centres

About the Practice

Orwell Veterinary Group is an established, family-owned independent practice serving Ipswich and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. The practice holds an IPC Silver Award for infection prevention, reflecting commitment to the highest clinical standards. With multiple branch locations and a team of experienced vets and nurses, many of whom have been with the practice for many years, Orwell Vets provides a stable, well-trained clinical environment.

The flagship Grange Farm Hospital is purpose-built with three consult rooms, two theatres, dental suite, digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy and fully equipped in-house laboratory. Separate kennels, cattery and isolation facilities serve a varied caseload across dogs, cats, rabbits and family pets. The practice is currently undergoing major renovation to further enhance facilities.