Lead/Head Vet - West Thurrock

Permanent Lead/Head Veterinary Surgeon – West Thurrock

A fantastic opportunity has become available for a Veterinary Surgeon to join a modern Small Animal Practice in West Thurrock. This role offers clinical variety, flexibility, and the chance to work within a supportive team environment with access to advanced facilities. Suitable candidates who value progression, collaboration, and high standards of patient care should read on.

Key Details

- Role: Permanent Veterinary Surgeon

- City: West Thurrock

- Working Pattern: Full-time, with consideration for full or part-time hours

- Hours: 40 to 41 hours per week

- Weekends: 1 in 4 weekends

- Weekend Hours: Saturday 9am to 6pm. Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm.

- OOH: None

- Salary: Up to £70,000 p/a, reflective of skills and exerience

- Experience Required: Minimum 3 years' UK experience in small animal practice

- Professional Requirement: RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon

- Special Interest: Internal medicine desirable

- Development: Certificate holders or those working towards one are encouraged

- Visa Support: Costs of visa or sponsorship can be supported for the right candidate

- Reference: JN-35800

Why You'll Love This Role

This is a forward-thinking practice with a strong emphasis on mentoring, development, and team support. The role combines a varied caseload with modern facilities and a workplace culture that values compassion, clinical excellence, and collaboration.

About the Role

You will be working as part of a friendly clinical team in a busy Small Animal Practice. The position is suited to an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who is confident with routine surgical procedures and keen to progress into a higher role.

The practice can consider full or part-time hours, and there is flexibility around working patterns. Weekend rota participation is required, with no out-of-hours cover.

The role is particularly well suited to Veterinary Surgeons with an interest in internal medicine. Certificate holders, or those working towards a certificate, are actively encouraged to apply.

About the Practice

The practice is purpose-built, modern, and progressive, with facilities including digital X-ray, dental X-ray, flexible endoscopes for bronchoscopy, gastroendoscopy and colonoscopy, access to a CT scanner, and orthopaedic kit for cruciate and patella luxation repairs, including TPLO, as well as fracture repairs.

Additional services include laparoscopic spays, laser therapy treatments, and pet travel certification services. The team has a strong focus on modern anaesthesia and pain management, supported by multi-parameter monitors, a nerve locator, drip pumps, and CRI systems.

The practice values mentoring and professional development, and the team includes Veterinary Surgeons, Registered Veterinary Nurses, Student Veterinary Nurses, practice and client care support, and both clinical and management leadership on site.

Working in West Thurrock

West Thurrock sits within the Thurrock area of Essex, close to Lakeside and major transport routes, making it a practical location for those commuting from nearby towns and parts of Greater London. It may suit Veterinary Surgeons looking for a role in a well-connected retail and commercial area with access to a modern practice environment.

Benefits

- 20% discount at the Vet Group, Pets at Home and the Groom Room

- Private healthcare and medical insurance after completion of the probationary period

- Access to discounts and cashbacks

- In-house career development opportunities

- Pension scheme

- Holiday allowance

- Free car parking

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of caseload can I expect?

The practice is a Small Animal Practice with clinical variety, including advanced diagnostic and surgical work. There is also a strong focus on modern anaesthesia and pain management.

Is there any out-of-hours work?

No. The role does not include out-of-hours cover.

What experience is required?

The practice is looking for an RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with ideally a minimum of 3 years' UK experience in small animal practice. Confidence with routine surgical procedures is expected.

Is flexible working available?

Yes. The practice can consider full or part-time hours and offers flexibility on working hours.

What facilities does the practice offer?

Facilities include digital X-ray, dental X-ray, flexible endoscopes, access to a CT scanner, orthopaedic kit, multi-parameter monitors, a nerve locator, drip pumps, and CRI systems.

If you are seeking a supportive permanent Veterinary Surgeon role with modern facilities and scope for progression, please apply to discuss this opportunity further.

Job Reference No: JN-35800