Veterinary Surgeon – Branch Partner – Folkestone, Kent

Location: Folkestone (Sandgate), Kent
Role Type: Permanent | Branch Partnership | Practice 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, weekend rota shared fairly
Holiday: Six weeks' holiday plus bank holidays
Flexibility: Full time, with part-time and flexible working options considered

The Opportunity
This is a rare and confidential opportunity for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to step into genuine practice ownership in Folkestone (Sandgate), Kent, while retaining full clinical autonomy and avoiding the financial risk and uncertainty traditionally associated with owning a veterinary practice outright. You will become a co-owner of an established coastal clinic, sharing in monthly profits while building real, tangible equity over time. A clear, pre-defined exit structure allows you to realise that value in the future, providing long-term financial security and peace of mind. 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 Practice & Location
This is a well-established small animal practice located in Sandgate, Folkestone, a desirable coastal area offering an excellent lifestyle balance. Folkestone combines seaside living with strong transport links, including high-speed rail connections to London, making it an attractive option for both local and relocating vets.

The practice benefits from:

• A loyal, long-standing client base

• Well-equipped clinical facilities suitable for modern first-opinion practice

• A varied medical and surgical caseload

• Strong regional clinical support and referral access

This is a stable, well-performing clinic that is ready for a confident leader to step in and make it their own.

Team & Culture

• Supportive veterinary, nursing and support team in place

• Friendly, collaborative and patient-focused working environment

• Strong emphasis on continuity of care and client relationships

• The ideal candidate will bring:

  • High clinical and medical standards

  • Leadership ambition and an ownership mindset

  • A positive, approachable manner

  • A team-first attitude

  • Confidence as a well-rounded GP vet

Cultural fit and leadership style are key for long-term success 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 clinic 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 practice

• 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 practice 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 practice

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

• Mentor and develop the veterinary and nursing team

• Shape clinical standards, service offerings and team culture

• Influence the long-term direction and success of the clinic

This role is ideal for vets who want ownership-level influence 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 Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

• A confident GP vet with leadership ambition

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

• Someone passionate about high-quality care and community engagement

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 career goals, discuss the Folkestone Sandgate opportunity in more detail, 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: 26-00240

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