Lead/Head Veterinary Surgeon

Lead / Head Veterinary Surgeon – Vets for Pets Thurrock
Lakeside Retail Park, RM20 3LP

Are you a passionate and dedicated Veterinary Surgeon looking for flexibility, clinical variety, and a supportive team?

Our thriving small animal practice in Thurrock is seeking a Full-Time Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, forward-thinking team.

About Us

Located within Pets at Home, Lakeside Retail Park, we are a purpose-built, modern, and progressive practice equipped with:

Digital X-ray and dental X-ray facilities
Flexible endoscopes for bronchoscopy, gastroendoscopy, and colonoscopy
Access to a CT scannerOrthopaedic kit for cruciate and patella luxation repairs (including TPLO), frature repairs etc.
Multi-parameter monitors, nerve locator, drip pumps, and CRI systems
A strong focus on modern anaesthesia and pain management
We’re also excited to offer following services:

Laparoscopic spays
Laser therapy treatments
Pet travel certification servicesOur Clinical Director, with over 18 years of UK experience, with post graduate certificate in small animal surgery and advanced small animal orthopaedics, is passionate about mentoring and has successfully guided numerous vets through their professional development.

We are a proud VetGDP training practice, committed to supporting growth, confidence, and long-term career satisfaction.

You'll be working alongside a fantastic team made up of 3 vets, a clinical director, 3 RVNs, 3 SVNs, practice manager, practice director, reception manager and 4 client care advisors.

We also have both Practice Directors (Clinical and Management) on-site.

We value compassion, clinical excellence, and teamwork — all within a supportive and friendly environment.

The Role

Ideally looking for a full-time - working 40/41 hours a week
Can consider full or part time hours - flexibility on working hours
1:4 weekends (Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10:30am–4:30pm)Bank holiday working on rota basis but no OOHs
Keen interest internal medicine desirable
Experienced vet progression into higher role

What We’re Looking For

RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon
Ideally a minimum 3 years' UK experience in small animal practice, (confident with routine surgical procedures)
Excellent communication skills and a caring, team-player approachPassionate about animal welfare and contexualised patient care
Certificate holders or those working towards one are highly encouraged

What We Offer

Competitive salary up to £70,000 (dependant on experience)
20% discount at the Vet Group, Pets at Home and the Groom Room
Private healthcare and medical insurance after completion of probationary period.Access to discounts and cashbacks
In-house career development opportunities
Pension scheme
Holiday allowance
Free car parking
Can support with costs of visa / sponsorship for the right candidate

Interested?

For an informal and confidential chat, please contact Lizzie from our Talent Acquisition team at 📧 southvets@vets4pets.com Or simply apply now — we’d love to hear from you and discuss how we can tailor this role to suit you.

Join a practice where innovation, compassion, and work-life balance go hand in hand.

Be part of a team that values your growth, supports your development, and celebrates your passion for veterinary care.

Location: RM20 3LP

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!