Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - Orwell Vets, Ipswich and surrounding areas
Financial Package up to £100,000
Salary up to £75,000 pro rata DOE plus up to £5,000 Welcome Bonus, up to £8,000 Relocation Allowance, 20% of salary paid in month 6 as Elevate Bonus plus benefits.
Are you a confident and motivated Veterinary Surgeon looking to take the next step in your career? At Orwell Vets, we’re searching for a passionate vet to join our welcoming and progressive team. Whether you’re ready for a new challenge or simply looking to grow and develop in a supportive environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Explore our Elevate programme
As part of the Elevate programme and to reward your commitment, we offer exciting additional benefits, including:
- Up to £5,000 welcome bonus paid in first salary
- Up to £8,000 relocation bonus
- Elevate bonus paid at month 6 - 20% of annual salary
- Elevate bonus paid at month 12 - 10% of annual salary
- Concierge support with the relocation process
- Paid leave for the duration of your move (up to three days)
A Trusted Practice with a Strong Reputation
Established for over 50 years, Orwell Vets has built a reputation for excellence within the local community and beyond. We’re proud to hold an IPC Silver Award for infection prevention, reflecting our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest clinical standards.
This role is primarily based at our main hospital in Grange Farm, but you’ll also spend time across our two additional branches in Stutton and central Ipswich, ensuring variety and collaboration across all sites.
A Modern Practice with Exciting Developments Ahead
Our purpose-built hospital is about to undergo a major renovation, transforming both the front and back of house and adding a brand-new consult room. The current facilities include a spacious waiting area with separate cat and dog zones, three consult rooms (including one dedicated RVN consult room), a large prep area, two theatres, a dental suite, imaging and recovery rooms, and separate dog kennels, cattery, and isolation areas.
We’re fully equipped with a digital X-ray (including dental), ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopic equipment, and a fully stocked in-house lab, giving you all the tools you need to deliver exceptional care. Our large staff room offers tea, coffee, cold drinks, and an always-full biscuit tin, and we also have ample parking and quiet office space for administrative work.
A Diverse Caseload and Opportunities to Grow
Our clients include cats, dogs, and small furries, and you’ll enjoy a good balance of consulting and surgical work throughout your week. The caseload is varied, encompassing dentistry, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, imaging, medicine, and laparoscopic procedures, along with all routine operations and occasional ECC cases.
We have strong relationships with local practices and specialists, allowing for both referrals in and out. Our forward-thinking approach and investment in technology mean you’ll always be supported to work to your full potential and pursue your clinical interests.
A Supportive and Skilled Team
You’ll be joining a dedicated team of 6 Vets, 8 RVNs, and 9 Client Care Team members made up of VCAs, Insurance Admin, Admin and a Practice Manager, many of whom have been with us for years. We’re proud to have certificate holders in Dentistry, Surgery, Medicine, Imaging, and ECC, and our RVNs also hold qualifications in Dentistry, ECC, Medicine, and Behaviour, with one currently completing the ISFM Certificate.
We also work alongside a visiting orthopaedic specialist who’s always happy to share their expertise. If you’re interested in pursuing further qualifications, we’ll fully support you whether you’re starting a new certificate or looking to continue one already underway.
A Balanced Role with Flexibility
This is a full-time position over four days per week, offering a great work-life balance. We’re also happy to consider part-time applications. The rota includes 1 in 5 Saturday mornings (8am–12:30pm) and no out-of-hours work, giving you your evenings and weekends back to enjoy life outside of practice.
A Team That Cares – Inside and Out
At Orwell Vets, teamwork and community spirit are at the heart of what we do. We enjoy spending time together both inside and outside of work, and we’re proud to support causes close to our hearts, including Guide Dogs and local wildlife charities. We’re also actively involved in the local community attending dog shows, fundraising for the local hospice, and visiting schools to inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Life in Ipswich
Located in the heart of Suffolk, Ipswich offers the perfect blend of historic charm, riverside scenery, and modern convenience. The town is known for its beautiful waterfront, thriving arts and café culture, and easy access to the stunning Suffolk countryside and coastline. Excellent transport links connect Ipswich to London, Cambridge, and Norwich, while local schools and leisure facilities make it a wonderful place to live, work, and relax. Whether you enjoy peaceful walks, vibrant social spots, or a sense of close-knit community, Ipswich truly has something for everyone.
Because our people matter
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 leaveAdditional holiday entitlement for your birthday
Wellbeing
Private medical insuranceEnhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy payCycle to Work schemeInitiatives focused on employee well-beingNon-accidental injury support
Development
£1250 CPD allowance with 5 days paid pro rataCertificate supportLearning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia AcademyAccess to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia providerAll our Vets & Nurses can apply for research fundingAll our Vets get £1000 per annum to spend via our Care FundInfection Prevention and Control ProgrammeQuality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
BVA membershipVDS cover
Colleague Benefits
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 criteriaVoluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit youAccess to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
At IVC Evidensia we are 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