Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

You'll join the Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre's friendly team across two locations (Chalfont St Giles and Beaconsfield) as a primary care veterinary surgeon. This is a full-time position with a four-day working week—a rare gem in UK practice—plus a Saturday rota only. No nights, no on-call cover beyond weekends.

The Wheelhouse is a fully modernised, RCVS-accredited practice established over 50 years ago, operating four branches across South Buckinghamshire with 14 vets and 20 nurses working collaboratively. You'll find a culture built on clinical excellence and genuine team support: colleagues who can handle most routine and complex cases that come through the door, with specialist interests spanning orthopaedic surgery, internal medicine, feline medicine, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and emergency & critical care.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied caseload in primary care
• Work collaboratively with the wider clinical team (14 vets, 20 nurses) to maintain clinical standards
• Continue developing your clinical skills and interests, especially if you have (or wish to develop) expertise in endoscopy, endosurgery, or oncology
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the practice's clinical culture
• Perform routine medical and surgical cases with growing confidence
• Support the ongoing development and mentoring of colleagues

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, with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Additional qualification or interest in endoscopy, endosurgery, or oncology is preferred but not essential

Benefits

• Salary: up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Relocation allowance: up to £5,000
• Welcome bonus: up to £3,000
• 6.8 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for CPD and professional development
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC Academy training centres
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

The Wheelhouse Veterinary Centre has served the South Buckinghamshire community for over 50 years and is part of IVC Evidensia, one of the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care groups. Led by Clinical Directors Kevin Spencelayh and Laura Baydoun, the practice combines a deeply local, community-focused ethos with the resources and support of a larger group.

The practice is fully equipped with endoscope, laparoscopic equipment for bitch spays, ultrasound scanner, digital and computed radiography, Class 4 laser, and four consultation rooms. The clinical team includes vets with advanced training and ongoing qualifications in surgery (including orthopaedics), internal medicine, feline medicine, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and emergency & critical care. With 42 clinical team members across four branches, the culture is built on supporting one another and delivering excellence every day.