Veterinary Surgeon | Independent Small Animal Practice - Essex


Salary
£45,000–£60,000
Company
JR Veterinary
Contact
Janko Salzwedel
Essex, United Kingdom
💼 Full-Time | 4-Day Week | Autumn Start
💰 Salary: £45,000–£60,000 DOE + Excellent Benefits
We are working on behalf of a truly independent, well-established veterinary practice in Essex, seeking a dedicated and experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly and forward-thinking team this Autumn.
This is a rare opportunity to become part of a practice that still believes in autonomy, clinical freedom, and prioritising quality care — for both its patients and its people.
🧭 Why This Practice?
This is a team that values collaboration over hierarchy. Owned and operated by veterinary professionals who still work on the clinical floor, the practice allows you to genuinely influence how things are done — from the choice of medications to how much time you need for complex consults.
They are proud of their independent status, giving their clinicians the freedom to work with chosen suppliers, make the right referrals, and practise medicine in the way they know best — without corporate constraints.
You’ll be joining a well-supported team that includes 3 other vets, 5 RVNs, a strong admin and reception team, and leadership that’s present, accessible, and passionate about creating a workplace you’ll enjoy coming to.
🐶 What’s Important to Them (And Maybe You Too)?
- Time for Care: 30-minute appointments for complex cases and protected admin time built into your schedule.
- Mutual Respect: Compassion is a core value — for pets, clients, and colleagues.
- Team Spirit: A fun, upbeat, and hardworking team with genuine camaraderie.
- Growth & Learning: Ongoing learning is encouraged — from CPD funding to journal clubs and internal case discussions.
- Wellbeing First: Healthcare, supportive policies, and work-life balance are integral to how the practice runs.
✨ What They’re Looking For:
- A Veterinary Surgeon with 2+ years UK experience in small animal practice
- Confident with routine surgeries and comfortable with first-opinion general practice
- Compassionate, reliable, and looking to grow in a supportive, close-knit team
- A strong communicator who values trust and collaboration with both clients and colleagues
- Ideally based within 30 minutes of the practice or open to relocating (relocation package available)
⏰ Hours & Working Pattern:
- Full-time role – 4-day week
- 1 in 4 Saturdays (9am–4pm)
- Weekday shifts vary between 8:00am and 7:30pm
- No Sundays or OOH – all emergency care referred externally
💷 What’s on Offer:
- Competitive salary in the region of £45,000–£60,000, dependent on experience
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Private healthcare (after 6 months), covering cancer care and mental health support
- Group life insurance (3x salary)
- Relocation support available
- Funded CPD and support for areas of clinical interest
- Access to online CPD platforms and the RCVS Knowledge Library
- Pension scheme, Cycle to Work scheme
- Supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking team culture
If you're a confident, compassionate vet looking for a truly independent practice where your ideas matter and your time is respected — this could be your perfect next step.
📩 Apply now or contact the JR Veterinary team for a confidential conversation:
📞 01392 719887 | ✉️ [email protected]
Tel: 01392719887
Address:
Essex, United Kingdom