4 Day Week | Funded Certificate | Lead Vet Pathway
Ready for the Next Step in Your Veterinary Career?
If you are a Veterinary Surgeon with a few years of experience behind you, you might be starting to ask a bigger question. Not just where you work next, but where your career is actually heading.
If the idea of developing advanced clinical skills, mentoring others, and genuinely progressing toward a future leadership role appeals to you, this could be the opportunity you have been looking for.
The Opportunity
We are working with a well established independent small animal practice in West Sussex, that has built a reputation for doing things properly. This is not a corporate environment focused on numbers or quick turnover. It is a practice that believes good veterinary medicine requires time, collaboration, and the freedom to make thoughtful clinical decisions.
You will join an 8 vet team in a purpose built, fully equipped practice, supported by experienced nurses and a collaborative leadership team. Many of the team members have been there for years, which says a lot about the culture they have created.
They are not simply looking for someone to fill a rota gap. They are hoping to welcome a vet who wants to grow clinically, support junior colleagues, and gradually develop into a senior or lead vet role within the practice.
Why This Role Is Different
A genuinely collaborative clinical team
You will work alongside 8 vets and a highly experienced nursing team, creating a supportive environment where cases are openly discussed and knowledge is shared. This practice is also a VetGDP practice, a veterinary nurse training practice, and a Surrey Vet School training site, reflecting its commitment to developing people.
A practice built for quality medicine
The clinic itself is modern and purpose built, giving you the facilities and equipment needed to work cases up to a high standard. The team has a strong reputation locally for high quality first opinion care and takes pride in maintaining those standards.
Real career progression
This role has a clear pathway toward a future senior or lead vet position. If you have an interest in orthopaedics, a fully funded certificate is available, with genuine encouragement and support to pursue it.
In house out of hours that builds clinical confidence
Unlike practices that outsource emergencies, this team runs its own out of hours service, allowing continuity of care and exposure to more complex and interesting cases. It is structured carefully to remain manageable and predictable:
- 1 in 3 weekends affected
- One Saturday day shift with Sunday off
- One full weekend in six with Saturday morning consulting and overnight care
- One fixed night per week on call in practice
- Monday off after Sunday night shifts
This structure gives you valuable emergency experience while maintaining balance.
A fantastic location
Based in West Sussex near the South Downs, the practice offers access to beautiful countryside while still being well connected, including convenient links toward Gatwick and surrounding areas.
Your Journey Here
Month 1
Your focus will be settling into the team, understanding how the practice operates, and building relationships with colleagues and clients. You will begin managing first opinion cases with the support of experienced vets around you.
Month 3
You will be confidently managing a varied caseload, performing routine surgeries, and beginning to explore areas of clinical interest. If orthopaedics appeals, discussions around a funded certificate can begin.
Month 6
By this stage you will be a key contributor to the clinical team. You may be mentoring less experienced vets, helping shape clinical approaches, and taking steps toward future senior or lead vet responsibilities.
What’s On Offer
Compensation and Work Life Balance
- £45,000 to £70,000 salary depending on experience
- 4 day working week
- Structured and predictable out of hours rota
- Generous holiday allowance
- Birthday off every year
Professional Development
- Fully funded certificate available (orthopaedics encouraged)
- Generous CPD allowance
- Mentoring and leadership development opportunities
- Clear pathway toward Senior Vet or Lead Vet roles
Comprehensive Benefits
- BUPA health insurance
- RCVS and professional support
- A genuinely supportive leadership team
- A practice culture that values you as a person, not just part of a rota
The Candor Vets Difference
At Candor Vets, we believe veterinary recruitment should feel human. No pressure, no rushed decisions, and no being treated like just another CV. Our goal is to listen carefully and help you find the role that genuinely fits your career and your life.
Ready to Explore?
If this sounds like the kind of role where you could grow into the vet you want to become, we would be very happy to have a confidential, no pressure conversation.
Job Reference VS068