Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary group in Southampton is seeking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon for their practice. The ideal candidate will enjoy autonomy and take full clinical ownership while managing a varied small animal caseload. Located in a well-equipped practice, you will have opportunities for professional development and support in achieving clinical interests. This full-time role provides a balanced schedule and benefits, such as a competitive salary, CPD allowance, and additional leave for personal occasions.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

Company pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified and registered Veterinary Surgeon.
• Experience in a small animal practice preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Take full clinical ownership of cases.
• Manage a varied small animal caseload.
• Participate in a Saturday morning rota.

Skills

Clinical ownership

Leadership

Autonomy

Excellent patient care

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

Job description

Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Unicorn Vets has been proudly serving the Southampton area for over 30 years and is now offering an exciting opportunity for a confident Senior Veterinary Surgeon to take full clinical ownership of one of our practices. This role is ideal for an experienced vet who enjoys autonomy, leadership and the freedom to drive a practice forward while delivering outstanding patient care.

A Caseload That Rewards Confidence and Continuity

You will see a varied small animal caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries, with a strong balance between consultations and surgery throughout the day. Case continuity is actively encouraged, allowing you to manage and develop cases to a high standard, while having the option to refer where appropriate. This role offers real scope to grow the practice, shape services and pursue your own clinical interests with a high level of independence.

A Well-Equipped Practice with Investment Ahead

Unicorn Vets operates from two long-standing practices in Southampton, Fairfield and Park, both of which have served the community for over three decades. This role will be primarily based at our Park branch, giving you the opportunity to truly make the practice your own.

The Park branch is set within a converted house and is currently being prepared for an upcoming refurbishment. In the meantime, you will be well supported with excellent facilities including digital X-ray, in-house haematology and biochemistry with extended panels such as SDMA and T4, ultrasound with echocardiography, endoscopy, capnography, tonometry and ECG. The setup allows you to work cases up thoroughly and confidently.

A Working Pattern That Supports Balance

This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days with a mixture of early and late shifts. You will take part in a one in six Saturday morning rota from 8:30am to 12:30pm, with no out-of-hours or on-call work.Part-time applications are also very welcome and can be discussed to suit the right candidate.

Sole Charge with Support Where It Counts

This is a sole charge position, ideal for a confident and experienced vet who enjoys independence. You will be supported day-to-day by two RVNs and a receptionist, with additional support available from the wider group and neighbouring branches whenever needed.

If you have an interest in completing a certificate or expanding your clinical expertise, this will be fully supported. Continued learning and professional development are actively encouraged for those passionate about progressing their skills.

Living and Working in Southampton

Southampton offers a fantastic lifestyle, combining coastal living with city convenience. With easy access to the New Forest, the South Downs and the Solent coastline, the area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, sailing, walking and green spaces. The city also offers excellent shopping, dining and cultural attractions, alongside strong transport links including direct trains to London, making it a great place to build both a career and a life.

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

Work-life balance

• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing

Development

• £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS Fees
• Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
• Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
• Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Unicorn Vets, Park Surgery

84 Burgess Road, Bassett, Southampton, SO16 7PP, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Amelia Bateman from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.