£45,000 – £65,000+ per annum (DOE / certificates / AP status) | 40 hours/week | 4-day week, days
A proper 4-day week, real clinical freedom, and countryside on your doorstep
You became a vet to change the lives of pets and their owners. If you're an experienced GP all-rounder who wants autonomy, a genuine 4-day week, and the backing of hospital and referral colleagues when you need them, this is one to look at.
I'm recruiting on behalf of a proudly independent group for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join two friendly branch clinics in the West Sussex countryside, on the edge of the South Downs National Park (the two sites are just 7 miles apart). That independence shows in everything from the clinical freedom on offer to the genuinely warm, home-from-home feel of the clinics the moment you walk in.
The role
This is varied, hands-on general practice. You'll work as an all-round branch vet doing sole charge, routine procedures and dentals, with the confidence of knowing you're not on an island. The branches work closely with the group's two hospitals, a 24/7 night emergency team, and a referral service, so you'll have advanced-practitioner and referral-level support behind you when a case calls for it. It's the best of both worlds: the independence of branch practice with a strong clinical network around you.
What's on offer
Salary of £45,000 – £65,000+ per annum, depending on experience, certificates and AP status
A true 4-day week (40 hours), with a full hour for lunch
7 weeks' holiday (including bank holidays)
Generously funded CPD, with certificate funding available
40% staff discount on care for your own pets
Standard pension benefit
Occupational health resources, including real mental health support
After some time with the practice, you'll also benefit from enhanced parental leave (6 months paid at 90%) and enhanced sickness benefit (2 weeks at 100%)
Rota: A 4-day week of 10-hour shifts (various start times between 7.30am and 7.30pm), totalling 40 hours, with a 1-hour lunch break. Weekends and bank holidays are shared on an equal 1-in-6 rota, and you get 2 days off in lieu of any weekend worked.
Who they're looking for
You'll be an experienced Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS) with at least 4–5+ years' GP practical experience in the UK. You'll be a confident all-rounder, comfortable with sole charge, routine procedures and dentals. An enthusiastic, passionate approach to developing your skills will fit right in, because the team is committed to helping its vets grow.
Most importantly, you'll share their values: humility, respect, empathy, work ethic, honesty, communication, and teamwork. This is a team that's constructive, encouraging and kind to one another, always, and treats clients with the same respect and empathy.
The location
If you love the outdoors, this is a wonderful place to live and work. You'll be right on the edge of the South Downs National Park, in the heart of West Sussex, with the River Arun valley, wetland nature reserves, and endless walking and cycling routes on your doorstep. It's genuinely rural and peaceful, yet very well connected: direct trains reach London Victoria in around 75 minutes, and the Sussex coast, market towns like Petworth and Midhurst, and larger centres such as Worthing are all within easy reach. Perfect if you want space, greenery and a slower pace without giving up connectivity.
Interested? Let's have a chat
We are open to having exploratory conversations, a no obligation chat so you can find out if we have an opportunity potentially right for you!
For a confidential discussion about our opportunities call Sophie on 07519119233 or email a CV to sophie@lloydandcowan.com. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us on 028 8744 0649. If you know someone else who may be interested, why not pass this advert on to them.
If we successfully place someone, you've referred to us; we'll give you £200 in high street vouchers as a way of saying thank you.
All applications will be treated in the STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.