About the Role
The Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Surgeon to join its friendly and welcoming team across four branches in Buckinghamshire. You'll work 40 hours across four days per week (Monday to Friday), with Saturday cover on a 1:4 rota (9amā4pm only). There are no out-of-hours commitments, giving you genuine time to unwind and enjoy life outside work.
Nestled in the charming market town of Chesham in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, this role offers the perfect blend of countryside tranquility with easy London access via the Metropolitan Line. You'll have the opportunity to work across multiple sites, expanding your clinical experience and learning from a wide range of cases while building genuine relationships with colleagues and the local community.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive small animal veterinary care across four practice branches (Chesham, Amersham, Chalfont St Giles, and Beaconsfield), based primarily at the Chesham hub
- Balance consulting and surgical work, handling cases including dogs, cats, rabbits, small furries, and the occasional chicken
- Perform a variety of surgical procedures: routine castrates, laparoscopic spays, lump removals, TTAs, orthopaedics, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy, otoscopy, and dentistry
- Contribute to the practice's thoughtful antibiotic stewardship programme, maintaining a low prescription rate and thorough case investigation
- Work collaboratively with a highly skilled team including 16 RVNs (with a Head Nurse), 4 SVNs, and a dedicated rehabilitation team (veterinary physiotherapist and specialist RVNs)
- Support professional development of the wider team and participate in ongoing learning and knowledge-sharing within the practice
Requirements
- Qualified Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS
- Genuine interest in small animal medicine and surgery
- Willingness to work across multiple sites within the Wheelhouse group
- Commitment to continuous professional development and learning from colleagues with specialist qualifications
- Team-focused approach to veterinary practice
Benefits
- Work-Life Balance: 40 hours across four days per week, 1:4 Saturday rota (9amā4pm), no out-of-hours work
- Holiday & Wellbeing: 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays, plus your birthday off; private medical insurance; enhanced family-friendly leave and pay; 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional Development: Ā£1,250 CPD allowance plus 40 hours paid CPD; certificate and advanced learning support; access to Vetlexicon online resources; access to world-leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres; Ā£1,250 annual Care Fund
- Professional Memberships: BVA membership; VDS cover; RCVS fees covered
- Financial Incentives: Salary up to Ā£65,000 DOE; relocation allowance up to Ā£5,000; welcome bonus up to Ā£5,000
- Colleague Benefits: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies); retail discounts and cashback offers; reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
- Team Culture: Five social events per year; in-branch wellness team support
About the Practice
The Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre has been proudly serving the local Buckinghamshire community for over 60 years and is owned by Independent Vetcare. The practice operates four branches across Chesham, Amersham, Chalfont St Giles, and Beaconsfield. The Chesham branchāthe original Wheelhouse hubāfeatures three consultation rooms (including a dedicated nurse consult room), prep and dental area, X-ray room, separate cat and dog wards, theatre, laboratory, dispensary, isolation area, and office spaces. The practice is accredited to GP standard by the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme and holds Silver ISFM Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation.
The practice is exceptionally well-equipped with dental X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, laser, tonometers, and a variety of scopes. The team comprises 12 vets, 1 practice manager, 16 RVNs (including a Head Nurse), 4 SVNs, 12 client care representatives, and 4 additional support staff. Certificate holders on the team include specialists in ECC, Cardiology, Dermatology (AVP), Feline Medicine, Ophthalmology, and Internal Medicine. The practice is deeply embedded in the local community, supporting Cats Protection, Hearing Dogs, and Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue, and regularly hosts fundraising events and participates in local fairs.
