Veterinary Surgeon - Mat Cover

Title: Veterinary Surgeon – Maternity Cover

Onsite: Active Vetcare - Beechwood Veterinary Centre

Location: Woodley, Berkshire

Contract: 9–12-month FTC (ideally starting April 2027)

Hours: Happy to discuss full or part-time options

Salary: up to £65,000 FTE – depending on experience

Life at Active Vetcare - Beechwood Veterinary Centre

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, close-knit practice at Beechwood Vet Centre, where team culture and flexibility are genuinely valued. You'll be working alongside two experienced vets, four qualified nurses and a fully staffed nursing team within a supportive practice of 13 colleagues. The veterinary team all have more than 10 years' experience, with additional support available from local floating vets, neighbouring practices and referral hospitals when needed.

The role offers an excellent work-life balance, with a full-time rota of four days per week and just one in four Saturdays. Shorter working days and a flexible approach to scheduling help support individual needs, while the welcoming team atmosphere makes it a great place to work. Staff also benefit from practical perks including separate on-site parking and the flexibility to bring their dogs to work. The practice prides itself on its loyal and friendly client base, creating a positive and rewarding environment for both the team and patients.

The practice is well-equipped with modern facilities, including digital X-ray, dental equipment, in-house laboratory services and all the modern conveniences expected of a progressive veterinary practice. As a cat-accredited clinic, it is committed to providing high standards of feline-friendly care. Conveniently located in Woodley, close to local shops and excellent transport links, including regular bus services and ample parking, the practice offers easy accessibility for both staff and clients while maintaining a welcoming community feel.

About you

We're looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our team on an FTC basis. Working within a culture where clinicians are empowered to make the best decisions, where improvement is encouraged and where best practice is shared, you will be: 

• Driven by shared passion to provide the best possible care to animals, you're committed to delivering outstanding care to support our patients and their owners. 
• Confident in your clinical skills, you'll be able to take the lead on surgical and medical cases and carry out diagnostic investigations with precision. 
• Keen to develop, you're committed to gaining further confidence in clinical skills so that you can manage or lead on different case types 
• A natural mentor and team player, you'll enjoy supporting and inspiring all colleagues to help them thrive. 
• Client care comes naturally to you, you know how to create a positive, reassuring experience that builds trust and long-lasting relationships. 
• As an experienced vet, you'll bring a strong level of clinical autonomy and be comfortable handling a varied caseload, offering guidance to the wider team and contributing to shaping clinical standards 

The benefits

 At CVS, we put our colleagues first, giving you the support you need to provide the best possible care. From clinical to non-clinical challenges, you'll always have the resources and teams alongside you. We'll be your biggest supporter – it's in our nature. 

With market-leading learning, on-the-job training, and collaboration with skilled colleagues, you'll have the tools to grow—whether you're building confidence early in your career or looking to deepen your expertise. From advancing in your current role to exploring new leadership or specialist pathways, we provide the support and opportunities to help you achieve your goals.

We know that care for our patients starts with dedicated people like you. That's why we invest in your growth and your future. When you join our team, you'll receive: 

• RCVS & VDS fees paid in full 
• Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams, and study leave covered 
• Up to 33 days holiday (with option to buy/sell) 
• Relocation package and visa fees covered (where applicable) 
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring 
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies 
• Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food and medications 

Join us at CVS 

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to do their best work. We foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, where diverse perspectives are invited and people feel safe to speak up. 

Wellbeing support is always available, from monthly line-manager check-ins to our network of 400 Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets and personal mentors. We offer leading benefits and policies, such as our Health Shield which provides support for physical and mental health. 

Our aim is to free up clinical colleagues to do what they do best, so we offer practices a wide range of operational support. Central expert HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, procurement teams are on hand to support with all aspects relating to the smooth running of each practice. 

We prioritise investment in our facilities, delivering significant enhancements across numerous practices through a dedicated multi-million-pound improvement fund. 

Please click apply to apply now or for any questions please contact david.vaughan@cvsvets.com