About this role

This is a Lead Veterinary Surgeon opportunity with flexibility around how you shape the role. You may be ready to step directly into leadership, or you may be looking for the right pathway to build towards that next stage with support around you.

The role offers a strong clinical balance, with an approximate 50/50 split between consults and surgery, alongside scope to work up cases, contribute to clinical standards and take ownership of your day. Some sole charge will be part of the position, but you will be supported by the wider Cinque Ports team and hospital facilities when needed.

You will work across our Rye, Tenterden or Hawkhurst practices, with the option to spend one day per week at Kingsnorth Hospital depending on your interests and development goals. It is a varied role with branch and hospital exposure, clinical independence, and the support of a group that values development rather than simply asking you to carry responsibility on your own.

About you

You will suit this role if you enjoy variety, communicate clearly and want to be part of a team that shares knowledge and supports one another. You may already be comfortable in a Lead Vet role, or you may be looking for a well-supported step into more responsibility.

You will bring:

• A collaborative approach to clinical care, clients and team relationships
• Confidence across both consultations and routine surgery
• Comfort with some sole charge, with wider support available when needed
• An interest in leadership, progression or developing towards a Lead Vet role
• A commitment to high standards of patient and client care
• Ideally, an interest in working towards a medical certificate, although this is not essential
• At least 3 years of UK veterinary experience
• RCVS registration as a Veterinary Surgeon

Our location

You will work across well-established practices in Rye, Tenterden or Hawkhurst, with access to the wider Cinque Ports group and Kingsnorth Hospital. It is a role that offers variety across different clinical settings while keeping you connected to a supportive regional team.

For someone seeking a career step without losing balance, the rota is an important part of the appeal. Full-time and part-time options will be considered, with no out-of-hours and overnight care supported by Vets Now at Kingsnorth Hospital.

Our offer

We are offering a salary of up to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience, alongside full-time or part-time options. A typical full-time rota is 40 hours over 4 days, from 08:30 to 18:30, with 1 in 5 Saturdays from 08:30 to 16:30 and no out-of-hours. Mondays and Tuesdays are fixed working days, with flexibility around the rest of the pattern for the right candidate.

You will also receive:

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• External CPD funding
• Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD
• Career progression opportunities
• Staff discount schemes
• Life assurance
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Eyecare vouchers
• Free annual flu jab
• Cycle to work scheme

Cinque Ports Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, giving you access to a large clinical network, specialist support, worldwide development opportunities and a wellbeing package designed to support your physical and mental health.

For the right person, remuneration and working pattern can be discussed openly, with the aim of shaping a role that supports your career, your clinical interests and your life outside work.