Senior Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is your chance to step into a senior leadership position at a thriving small animal practice in the heart of East London's vibrant Plaistow neighbourhood. You'll be working a 4-day week with a 1:4 Saturday branch rota and 1:8 Sunday on-call rotation to Wanstead Hospital, plus bank holiday cover. The role combines clinical excellence with team leadership, managing a practice that has earned ISFM accreditation for its feline-focused care.

You'll lead a warm, energetic team including a part-time vet, senior RVN, registered RVN, and trainee nurses. The practice has excellent on-site facilities: digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, and full surgical capability, with seamless access to the 24-hour Wanstead Hospital for advanced cases and after-hours emergency cover.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical consultations and surgery within your scope of competence, making evidence-based treatment recommendations aligned with GVG protocols
• Oversee prescription administration, ensuring client requests are processed accurately and promptly, with proper stock management
• Manage the consulting and surgical diary in line with company policies
• Provide site-level induction and support to new starters and locums
• Chair regular branch team meetings, document minutes, and track action items
• Maintain thorough clinical records and ensure accurate, comprehensive pet histories for colleague reference
• Identify and refer complex cases promptly to GVG Hospital when appropriate
• Foster a respectful, collaborative team environment and support professional development
• Lead by example in best practice and clinical governance

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with RCVS registration and MRCVS
• Proven experience working in a busy small animal GP practice
• Comfortable with high-volume consultations and surgical work
• Natural communicator with excellent client rapport skills
• Team leader or senior clinic experience preferred
• Willingness to participate in rota cover (branch Saturdays, Wanstead Sunday on-call, occasional bank holidays)

Benefits

• Salary: £60,000 to £90,000 FTE depending on experience and professional growth potential
• 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays
• Up to £2,000 CPD budget annually plus up to 5 days paid CPD leave
• Private medical healthcare insurance with Bupa
• Generous relocation assistance where applicable
• Leadership training provided to support your transition into the senior role

About the Practice

Plaistow is part of Goddard Vet Group, an established practice serving East London with a reputation for quality small animal care. The practice is ISFM accredited, reflecting a genuine commitment to feline medicine and welfare. Located near Upton Park station on the Circle line, just a 10-minute walk away with easy access to Liverpool Street and the wider London transport network, the practice sits in a vibrant neighbourhood home to Billingsgate fish market, E Pellicci's historic cafe, and Columbia Road Flower Market.

Goddard Vet Group operates across multiple sites including the 24-hour Wanstead Hospital, creating a supportive referral pathway for both routine and emergency cases. The team values collaborative practice, professional development, and equal opportunity for all staff.