Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Join PDSA to lead our Pet Hospital team.
PDSA is a trusted name in veterinary care with over 100 years of experience. Our impact in 2023 included:
- Accredited as one of the Top 25 Best Big Companies to work for in the UK
- 2.2 million veterinary treatments, 430,000 pets helped, and 6.6 million people supported
- 49 hospitals and over 110 charity shops supported by more than 2,250 employees and 1,800 volunteers
About the Role
You will helm the Pet Hospital team, steering clinical care, customer service, and pet wellbeing. Your focus will be on fostering a cohesive, motivated team dedicated to preventive services and treating sick and injured pets of eligible clients.
As Senior Veterinary Surgeon you’ll oversee head nurse and veterinary surgeons, guiding the team’s daily workflow, ensuring high standards in both clinical practice and customer care. You will also manage clinical governance, budgeting, and resource optimisation to deliver quality, cost‑effective care.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire a dedicated veterinary and nursing team, promoting teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Manage day‑to‑day operations, ensuring seamless workflow and a supportive team environment.
- Oversee clinical governance, ensuring adherence to high standards and cost‑effective use of resources.
- Take charge of budgeting for hospital treatments and ensuring financial efficiency.
- Champion PDSA’s values and commitment to exceptional pet care and wellbeing.
What We Offer
- 38 hours of CPD funding for ongoing development.
- CPD Allowance of £1,000 per year.
- Excellent career growth and leadership opportunities.
- Full RCVS fees.
- Internal CPD programmes and discounts for BSAVA congress and London Vet Show.
- 25 days holiday (excluding bank holidays) with the option to buy and sell up to 5 days per year.
- Additional Wellbeing Day, Celebration Day, and Volunteering Day to recharge and give back.
- Generous Auto‑Enrolment pension and/or Contributory pension schemes with an enhanced rate of 5–10% contributions.
- Life Assurance policy (4 × annual salary) for financial security.
- Employee Assistance Program and Online Wellbeing Centre available 24/7.
- Private medical insurance.
- Cycle to Work Scheme for a healthy commute.
- Wide range of discounts for retailers, holidays, and similar organisations on our fetch platform.
About You
We’re looking for a versatile, driven, and compassionate Veterinary Surgeon with a robust background in both clinical practice and people management. You bring a proven track record of effective leadership, inspiring and engaging teams, creating a positive working environment, and fostering continuous learning and development.
As a natural leader, you’ll exhibit clear, empathetic communication, enabling effective engagement with clients and colleagues. Your exceptional organisational skills will ensure efficient day‑to‑day operations, guiding the team smoothly through daily workflow and adapting plans as needed.
Your flexible, problem‑solving approach will empower you to make sound decisions, balance clinical needs with resource management, and deliver solutions that prioritise pet wellbeing and team cohesion.
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 can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer family‑friendly policies, inclusive employment practices, and flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.
For any accessibility concerns, please contact us to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Health Care Provider
Industries
Non‑profit Organizations, Hospitals and Health Care, Veterinary Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at PDSA by 2×.
We look forward to your application.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Cardiff
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like PDSA often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at PDSA. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at PDSA.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at PDSA.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at PDSA.
