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: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment in a modern hospital near stunning coastal scenery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary surgeon with leadership skills and a passion for animal care.
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’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.
About you: We’re looking for a Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader to join our team at Swansea. 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 will particularly suit a vet who enjoys a surgically‑biased caseload and who takes a medical, pragmatic approach to decision‑making, focusing on evidence‑based options and the best plan for each pet and owner. You’ll have the space and support to develop surgical leadership while working alongside a team that values clear plans, good communication and practical medicine. 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 develop others across clinical practice.
About the hospital: Swansea 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. Swansea is where vibrant city life meets the breathtaking beauty of the Gower Peninsula, offering golden beaches, dramatic coastal walks and a relaxed Welsh spirit all in one place.
Working Hours: 37.5‑hour week with one office day. There’s a shared Saturday morning rota, with time off in lieu, and only emergency work outside of this. The hospital is open from 8am–6pm on weekdays and 8am–12pm on Saturdays, with flexibility to arrange working hours within these times.
Rewards, support and benefits: 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 5 days, £1000 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.
Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader in Swansea employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, allowing Veterinary Surgeon Team Leaders to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners. With a commitment to employee development through generous CPD allowances, flexible working options, and a range of benefits including enhanced family leave and wellbeing support, PDSA ensures that its team members feel valued and empowered. Located in Swansea, where vibrant city life meets stunning natural beauty, this role offers not only professional growth but also a fulfilling lifestyle in a picturesque setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local events, and connect with PDSA staff on social media. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your surgical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and made evidence-based decisions in your practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for pets and community service during the interview. Talk about why you want to work with PDSA and how you can contribute to their mission of helping those in need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the PDSA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for pets and veterinary care shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at PDSA to support those in need.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in surgical leadership and team management. We’re looking for someone who can lead our Veterinary Surgeon team effectively, so showcase your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around surgical procedures and evidence-based practices. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you approached them, as this will show your practical experience and decision-making skills.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a team. Prepare examples of how you've coached or mentored others in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to recruitment and team dynamics.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex medical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate with pet owners who may not have a veterinary background. Think about how you can convey empathy and understanding during these conversations.
✨Embrace Change and Collaboration
PDSA is looking for someone who is adaptable and enjoys working in a collaborative environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've embraced change in your previous roles and how you foster teamwork among colleagues. Highlight any experiences where you've worked with diverse teams or tackled challenges together.
