At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to provide vital veterinary care for pets in need.
- Company: Join PDSA, a century-old charity dedicated to helping pets and their owners.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, CPD allowance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary leadership or a desire to step into a leadership role.
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 has provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship. We are 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.
About you: We’re looking for a Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader to join our team at PDSA Leeds. You’ll hold clinical governance responsibility for the hospital and lead the Veterinary Surgeon team to deliver an efficient, professional and caring service to pets and owners in the local community. This role is advertised as a full‑time position (37.5 hours per week), although we are happy to consider part‑time and flexible working arrangements. Shifts are worked within our hospital opening hours of 8:30 am–6:00 pm. The role includes participation in the weekend and bank holiday rota (approximately 1 in 7), with time off in lieu and enhanced pay for these shifts.
You will have one protected day per week away from the clinical rota to focus on leading, developing and supporting the veterinary team, alongside driving clinical standards and service improvement initiatives. We welcome applications from Veterinary Surgeons who have previous experience leading, mentoring or developing individuals or teams, as well as those ready to take the next step into a leadership role. You’ll be supported with training and development, alongside a wider leadership network including the Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Head Nurse, Client Services Manager and Veterinary Nurse Team Leader.
You’ll be responsible for all aspects of team leadership, including recruitment, selection, coaching and development. You’ll be confident communicating with a wide range of clients, enjoy working collaboratively, and be committed to sharing skills and leading by example to support the growth and development of others across clinical practice.
About the hospital: PDSA Leeds 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.
Rewards, support and benefits:
- Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.
- CPD allowance of 5 days, £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.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion: 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.
Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader in Leeds employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners, particularly those facing financial hardship. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, PDSA Leeds offers a collaborative environment where Veterinary Surgeons can thrive as leaders while contributing to vital community services. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of both staff and the animals we care for.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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✨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 Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader.
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We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader 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 Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader 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.
