Veterinary Surgeon – Branch Partner – Dartford, Kent

Location: Dartford, Kent
Role Type: Permanent | Branch Partnership | 24-Hour Hospital Leadership
Guaranteed Earnings: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum for the first 1–3 years
Long-Term Earnings: Profit share plus growing equity value
Working Pattern: Typically a four-day week, rota incorporating ECC / OOH leadership
Holiday: Six weeks' holiday plus bank holidays
Flexibility: Full time, with structured rota support and leadership cover

The Opportunity
This is a rare and confidential opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to step into genuine hospital ownership at a well-established 24-hour ECC centre in Dartford, Kent. You'll retain full clinical autonomy while avoiding the financial risk and uncertainty traditionally associated with owning a hospital outright. As a co-owner, you'll share in monthly profits and build real, tangible equity over time, supported by a clear, pre-defined exit structure that allows you to realise value in the future. This is not a franchise and not a salaried lead role; it is a true partnership model designed for vets who want autonomy, influence and long-term wealth creation while remaining hands-on clinically.

The Hospital & Location
This is a busy, well-established 24-hour hospital serving Dartford and the wider Kent region. The location offers excellent transport links into London alongside more affordable living, green open spaces and easy access to the Kent countryside—ideal for vets seeking balance between city connectivity and lifestyle.

The hospital benefits from:

• A diverse and challenging ECC caseload

• Strong surgical and medical throughput

• Referral-level facilities within a regional hub model

• A reputation for high clinical standards and patient care

• A strategic role supporting OOH and complex cases across the local network

This is a hospital performing strongly and ready for an experienced leader to take it to the next level.

Team & Culture

• Highly skilled veterinary, nursing and support teams in place

• Friendly, collaborative and patient-first culture

• Strong emphasis on mentorship, leadership and clinical excellence

• The ideal candidate will bring:

  • High clinical and medical standards

  • Confidence in a busy hospital environment

  • Leadership ambition and an ownership mindset

  • A calm, supportive approach to team development

Personality, leadership style and values are as important as clinical capability in this role.

Guaranteed Earnings & Financial Support (Early Years)
To support your transition into ownership, the partnership includes:

• Guaranteed earnings of £65,000 – £75,000 per year for the first 1–3 years, dependent on experience and hospital profile

• Ongoing Branch Partner drawings and monthly profit share thereafter

• A structure designed to provide financial security while equity value builds

How the Branch Partnership Model Works

• True co-ownership of an established veterinary hospital

• Typical equity stake of circa 40%, depending on valuation and structure

• Minimum 10% personal investment upfront

• Up to 30% funding support available, provided as a loan if required (subject to approval)

• Monthly profit share aligned to equity percentage

• Equity value increases year on year as the hospital grows

• Structured exit opportunities every two years, with equity sold back at a pre-agreed multiple

This model removes uncertainty around exit planning and allows you to build wealth alongside your clinical career.

Clinical Autonomy & Leadership
You will:

• Retain full clinical autonomy within the hospital

• Lead the hospital day-to-day while remaining hands-on clinically

• Oversee ECC standards, protocols and service delivery

• Mentor and develop the veterinary and nursing teams

• Influence the long-term direction and success of a key regional hub

This role is ideal for vets who want ownership-level influence in a 24-hour environment without stepping away from clinical work.

Business & Operational Support
No prior commercial or ownership experience is required. Comprehensive support is provided across:

• Finance, forecasting and performance reporting

• HR, payroll and compliance

• Procurement, systems and facilities

• Marketing and operational infrastructure

This allows you to focus on patients, people and clinical excellence.

Who This Role Is Ideal For
This opportunity would suit:

• An experienced Veterinary Surgeon with ECC or hospital exposure

• A confident clinical leader ready for ownership

• A vet seeking autonomy, influence and long-term financial security

• Someone passionate about high-quality care and team development

Applicants must be RCVS registered and have the right to work in the UK. Visa support may be available, subject to criteria. No previous partnership or commercial experience is required.

Next Steps – Confidential Conversation
All enquiries are handled confidentially and discreetly. An initial discussion will allow you to explore whether Branch Partnership aligns with your goals, review earnings, equity and funding options, and decide whether to progress — with no obligation at any stage.

Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion.

Must Haves

• RCVS Registered (or soon to be)
• Possess the right to work in the United Kingdom
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What Happens Next?

CLICK APPLY NOW or if you have any questions before applying, or if this role isn't quite right for you, feel free to contact the Vet Seekers team to chat through your veterinary career aspirations in confidence.

Quote job reference: 26-00241

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