At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical cases and make a real difference to pets and their owners every day.
- Company: Join PDSA, a century-old charity dedicated to providing vital veterinary care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, CPD support, and a positive workplace culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team creating positive change for pets in need.
- Qualifications: Strong clinical skills and excellent communication are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Make a difference every day with PDSA.
Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship. We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.
If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.
We’re looking for a Senior Veterinary Surgeon (SVS) to join our friendly team at Derby. If you thrive on variety, enjoy taking the clinical lead and want to make a meaningful impact, this could be the role for you. At PDSA, no two days are ever the same – you’ll see a wide range of medical and surgical cases, including more complex workups, giving you the chance to develop your skills while making a real difference to pets and owners who really need our help.
You’ll bring strong clinical confidence, sound judgement and a calm, pragmatic approach to decision-making. You’re comfortable leading on cases, supporting colleagues with second opinions and discussing realistic, evidence-based options with clients. Excellent communication skills are key; you’ll build trust with pet owners, explain treatment plans clearly, and work closely with the wider clinical and client service teams to ensure joined-up, compassionate care.
As a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll be a visible, approachable senior member of the team. You’ll enjoy coaching and mentoring others, sharing your experience, and helping to embed high clinical standards and good governance in everyday practice. You’ll contribute to continuous improvement, support new ways of working and help champion PDSA’s mission and values.
PDSA Derby is a highly collaborative, effective hospital, a great place for teamwork, case discussion and shared learning. Our teams have varied clinical interests, giving you access to a wide pool of knowledge and experience when discussing cases and treatment plans. Our Pet Hospitals are modern and well-equipped and include separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.
We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.
As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.
- CPD allowance of one week and £1,000 per year for development.
- Payment of your full RCVS fees, so you’re never out of pocket.
- Extensive internal CPD programmes plus discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show.
- 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days.
- Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.
- Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
- Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.
- AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover included.
- Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.
- 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.
PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect. To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.
Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Derby employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners, particularly in Derby. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to work-life balance, we offer generous benefits including flexible working options, extensive CPD opportunities, and a collaborative environment that fosters growth and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a difference every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Derby
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from PDSA!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Senior Veterinary Surgeon.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like PDSA.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like PDSA will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
