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Permanent

Head Veterinary Surgeon – 12-month maternity cover, then Senior Veterinary Surgeon

Reading, Berkshire
Reference VS100Posted 13/10/2026
Pay
£60,000–£75,000 per year
Working pattern
40 hours per week, worked over 4 days. Practice opening hours Monday–Friday 08:30–19:00; Saturday 09:00–12:00.
Weekends / on-call
OOH emergencies covered externally by Vets Now. Weekend commitment to be confirmed. Expected start: February 2027.

Benefits and development

  • Permanent contract from the outset
  • Initial opportunity to act as Head Veterinary Surgeon (12-month maternity cover)
  • Long-term Senior Veterinary Surgeon role following the cover period
View 2 more benefits
  • Potential progression to a Clinical Director role in future
  • Opportunity to help develop and grow an independent first-opinion practice

Vacancy details

About the role

Provide senior clinical leadership for the team during a 12-month maternity cover period.

Candor Vets is working with an established veterinary practice in Reading, Berkshire to find a Veterinary Surgeon.

What you will be doing

  • Deliver consultations, medical casework, diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures including advanced soft-tissue and orthopaedic work.
  • Support and mentor the wider clinical team and contribute to practice development plans.

Clinical work

  • Mixed caseload of first-opinion small animal cases.
  • Regular involvement in imaging and theatre lists.

Team and support

  • Join a team of veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses and support staff.
  • Work alongside four veterinary surgeons, four RVNs and four support staff at the site.

Working pattern

  • Full-time role: 40 hours per week, worked over 4 days.
  • Permanent contract from the outset; initial 12-month period as Head Veterinary Surgeon followed by continuation as a Senior Veterinary Surgeon.

Development

  • Opportunity to play an active part in the practice's clinical and commercial growth.
  • Potential progression to a Clinical Director position in the future, subject to business needs.

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