Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week (9am to 7:30pm) including Saturdays, with no out-of-hours commitments. You'll be joining a well-equipped RCVS-accredited surgery located inside Pets at Home at Airport Business Park, working alongside the Joint Venture Partner and Veterinary Surgeon, Carlo De Vito, who brings decades of clinical experience to the practice.

Southend-on-Sea offers a unique blend of coastal charm and urban convenience. With a direct train to London in under an hour and easy access to parks and seafront attractions, you'll enjoy a strong work-life balance in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. The practice is proud of its welcoming culture and commitment to gold standard clinical care alongside staff wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care as part of the surgical team
• Manage your own caseload independently, with support from experienced colleagues including 1 Head Registered Vet Nurse, 2 Registered Vet Nurses, and 4 Client Care Advisors
• Perform surgical procedures, with particular strength in dentistry valued
• Utilise modern clinical equipment including brand-new ultrasound with 4 probes, endoscope, in-house laboratory, x-ray machine, and dental equipment
• Build strong relationships with clients and provide compassionate patient care
• Support team development and mentor junior staff where appropriate

Requirements

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Experienced in small animal practice
• Excellent surgical skills; dentistry experience is advantageous
• Confident and comfortable working independently and managing your own caseload
• Strong communication skills and ability to build client relationships
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues

Benefits

• Attractive salary from £60,000 to £80,000 depending on experience (full-time equivalent)
• Generous CPD allowance plus funding towards certificates
• 5.6 weeks initial holiday, rising to 6.6 weeks after 2 years' service
• Extra days' leave on your birthday
• Access to private health insurance
• Contributory pension scheme
• In-house career development opportunities
• Paid membership fees (RCVS, BVA, VDS)
• Access to reward hub including wellbeing support and pastoral care
• Cycle to work scheme
• 20% discount at Vets for Pets, Pets at Home, and the Groom Room
• Access to Colleague Assistance Programmes (Retail Trust, Port of Call, MHFA)

About the Practice

Southend Airport Vets for Pets is a well-equipped, RCVS-accredited small animal surgery located inside Pets at Home at Airport Business Park. The practice is led by Carlo De Vito (BVetMed, qualified 1998) and supported by a dedicated team of 1 Veterinary Surgeon, 1 Head Registered Vet Nurse, 2 Registered Vet Nurses, 4 Client Care Advisors, and 1 Practice Manager. The surgery is equipped with modern clinical technology including ultrasound with 4 probes, endoscope, in-house laboratory, x-ray machine, and dental facilities.

Part of the Vets for Pets group, the practice prides itself on creating a welcoming working environment and delivering gold standard clinical care whilst maintaining a good work-life balance for staff.