Lead Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal  

 

Sunbeam Veterinary Clinic, Passage West 

Full-time, Permanent 

Salary up to €70,000 DOE 

 

Step Into a Role Where Your Experience Truly Matters 

Imagine a role where you’re not just another vet on the rota – you’re the trusted clinical lead, the steady hand, and the familiar face your clients rely on. A place where your judgement is valued, your independence respected, and your impact felt every single day. 

At Sunbeam Vets in Passage West, we’re looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon ready to step into a Lead role within a warm, close-knit practice while still having the backing of a highly respected referral network across Cork. 

This is your opportunity to enjoy true clinical autonomy while knowing that complex or advanced cases can be seamlessly referred to our larger hospital, allowing you to focus on delivering thoughtful, continuous care right where your patients feel most at home. 

 

A Practice That Feels Like Home (With Support That Goes Further) 

Our Passage West clinic is a well-established, community-focused practice with a loyal client base and a reputation built on compassion, trust, and high clinical standards. Here, relationships matter - both with our clients and within our team. 

You’ll be working alongside an experienced veterinary nurse and a dedicated receptionist, forming a small but highly capable team where communication flows easily and support is always there when you need it. 

The clinic itself is modern and well-equipped, featuring digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental X-ray, and a fully integrated Idexx laboratory giving you everything you need to work cases up to a high standard. And when cases require more advanced intervention? You’ll have direct access to our wider Sunbeam referral network, ensuring your patients always receive the very best care without compromising your day-to-day workflow. 

 

Clinical Freedom, Meaningful Work 

This is a role designed for a confident clinician who enjoys working independently and taking ownership of their cases. Your days will be varied and engaging - combining consultations, routine and more advanced surgeries, diagnostics, and ongoing case management. You’ll have the time and support to work cases up properly, build strong client relationships, and make well-informed clinical decisions. 

As the lead vet in the practice, your voice will help shape how the clinic operates - from maintaining clinical standards to guiding the overall patient journey. It’s a role where your experience isn’t just appreciated, it actively shapes the service we deliver. 

 

A Rota That Respects Your Life Outside of Work 

We believe that great veterinary work shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing. That’s why this role offers a structured, predictable rota designed to support balance. 

You’ll work a 5-day, 40-hour week, typically 9am–6pm, with just 1 in 3 Saturdays (9am–2pm) and no out-of-hours commitments. It’s a schedule that allows you to fully focus on your patients during the day and properly switch off when your work is done. 

 

Who Will Thrive Here 

This role is ideal for an experienced small animal vet who is comfortable managing cases independently and confident working in a sole charge setting.  

If you enjoy autonomy, take pride in delivering high-quality clinical care, and value being a trusted decision-maker within a practice, you’ll feel right at home here. 

Applicants must be VCI registered and eligible to work in Ireland. This role is not suited to new graduates or those requiring initial mentorship, as it offers a high level of clinical responsibility from day one. 

 

Care for You, As Much As You Care for Your Patients 

We believe in supporting our team just as much as they support their clients and patients. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed around your wellbeing, growth, and long-term career satisfaction. 

You’ll benefit from: 

Work Life Balance & Employee Wellbeing   

22 days annual leave  

Birthday leave  

Paid maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave packages   

Cycle to Work Scheme     

Company Sick Pay & Bereavement Leave   

Access to EAP & Wellbeing Centre     

Structured rota tailored to your life  

Career Development     

€1300 annual CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro-rata'd)  

Full funding for any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue     

Opportunities for clinical and leadership progression   

VCI and VDS memberships fully covered   

Dedicated CARE fund - €1,100 annually to support exceptional cases    

Additional Benefits     

Annual Pay Reviews     

Employer Pension Contributions   

Discounted Veterinary Fees across the IVC Evidensia network   

Free Flu Vaccinations   

Access to “Pawesome” Benefits – retail and lifestyle discount platform   

Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, Clinical Board and many more)    

 

Ready to Lead, Supported Every Step of the Way? 

If you’re an experienced vet looking for a role where you can lead with confidence, feel genuinely supported, and make a meaningful impact in a thriving local community, we’d love to hear from you. 

At Sunbeam Vets, you’ll find more than just a job - you’ll find a place where your expertise is trusted, your growth is encouraged, and your work truly matters.