Orthopaedics-focused caseload. No OOH. State-of-the-art facilities. A team that genuinely collaborates.
If You’re Ready for Depth, Not Burnout
If you are a certificate-holding Veterinary Surgeon who wants the time, trust, and clinical freedom to do surgery properly, without constant interruptions or out-of-hours fatigue, this role is worth a closer look. It is designed for someone who still cares deeply about standards, outcomes, and enjoying their work again.
The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established, multi-site small animal practice in Harlow, that has just reopened a completely refurbished, modern clinic. This is not a site reopening to simply get through the day. It is reopening to do things properly, with space, equipment, and people in place to support high-quality surgical work.
You would join as a key surgical lead within the Harlow practice, working alongside a small, consistent vet team while being backed by a much wider clinical network across four sites. The practice is actively looking for a certificate holder who enjoys building their own caseload, particularly with an orthopaedic bias, and who values continuity of care from consult through to surgery and follow-up.
This is a role with influence. Your experience will be respected, your clinical judgement trusted, and your interests supported rather than squeezed into gaps.
Why This Role Is Different
A Proper Clinical Network Around You
Across the group there are 14 day vets and 3 night vets, including certificate holders in ophthalmology, dermatology, internal medicine, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and small animal surgery. This means genuine case discussion, shared decision-making, and internal referral support when needed.
Surgery You Can Take Ownership Of
You will generate and manage your own cases, with a clear bias towards orthopaedics. The role includes fracture repairs, cruciate surgery, and advanced soft tissue procedures, with the time and space to do them well.
Facilities That Match Your Skillset
The Harlow site includes five consult rooms, dedicated theatre, digital x-ray, and an in-house laboratory. For advanced imaging and procedures, a nearby hospital provides CT, MRI, and endoscopy, and you are encouraged to follow your cases through if you wish.
A Team That Pulls Together
You will work alongside a confident, experienced nursing team and play a key role in supporting and mentoring new graduates. This is a calm, professional environment where people help each other rather than firefight alone.
Location Without Compromise
Harlow is easily accessible from Essex, Hertfordshire, and North London, making it a realistic and sustainable commute for many experienced clinicians.
Your Journey Here
In Your First Month:
You will settle into the team, get to know the systems, and begin taking on surgical cases with full support from colleagues and nurses.
By Three Months:
You will be confidently running your own surgical caseload, shaping workflows, and leaning into your orthopaedic interests while maintaining some consulting work.
By Six Months:
You will be a recognised clinical lead within the practice, influencing case management, mentoring others, and continuing to develop your surgical portfolio with funded CPD.
What’s On Offer
Compensation and Time Off
- Salary £50,000 to £70,000, depending on experience
- Full-time 40 hours per week, with 4 or 5 day weeks considered
- No out-of-hours
- Weekend on-call rota 1 in 10
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
Professional Development
- External CPD fully funded
- Extensive free online CPD programme
- Clear career progression opportunities
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
Additional Benefits
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount schemes
- Wellness programme including EAP, eyecare vouchers, free annual flu jab, cycle to work scheme, and referral rewards
The Candor Vets Difference
At Candor Vets, we do not push roles. We listen, we advise, and we help you decide what is genuinely right for you. Our focus is on long-term fit, not quick placements.
Ready to Explore?
If this sounds like the kind of role where you could do your best work and still have a life outside the clinic, let’s have a confidential, no-pressure conversation.
Job Reference VS049