Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader

About the Role

You’ll join PDSA’s Hendon Pet Hospital as Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader, holding clinical governance responsibility for the hospital and leading the vet team to deliver efficient, professional care to pets and owners across North London. This is a full-time temporary role working 37.5 hours per week.

The role particularly suits a vet who enjoys a surgically biased caseload and takes a medical, pragmatic approach to decision-making. You’ll have the space and support to develop surgical leadership whilst working alongside a team that values clear plans, good communication and practical medicine. Hendon is a highly collaborative, effective hospital—a great place for case discussion, shared learning and teamwork across varied clinical interests.

You’ll be responsible for all aspects of team leadership, including recruitment, selection, coaching and professional development. You’ll communicate confidently with clients, work collaboratively with colleagues, and lead by example to develop clinical skills across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold clinical governance responsibility for the Hendon Pet Hospital
• Lead and manage the Veterinary Surgeon team to deliver high-quality clinical care
• Recruit, select and develop veterinary staff through coaching and mentoring
• Manage team performance, rostering and professional development planning
• Drive a culture of evidence-based medicine and practical problem-solving
• Collaborate with colleagues across varied clinical interests for case discussion and learning
• Communicate effectively with clients and support the delivery of care plans
• Lead by example in clinical practice and professional conduct

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon with RCVS (UK)
• Experience in small animal practice, with a preference for surgical interests
• Proven leadership or team management experience (or strong potential to develop this)
• Confident communicator with clients and colleagues
• Evidence-based, pragmatic approach to clinical decision-making
• Commitment to professional development and supporting others to learn

Benefits

• Salary: £64,669–£72,225 per annum (including allowances)
• Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays, with option to buy or sell up to 5 extra days
• CPD Support: 5 days CPD allowance plus £1,000 annual CPD budget; full RCVS fees covered; discounts on BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show
• Flexible Working: Options available to support work-life balance and individual circumstances
• Pension: Generous options with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Wellbeing: 3 paid special days off annually (Volunteering Day, Celebration Day, Wellbeing Day); AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support; private medical cover included
• Family Support: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Life Assurance: Providing 4 times annual salary
• Staff Perks: 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance; access to staff veterinary services; retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts via Fetch benefits platform

About the Practice

PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) has provided vital veterinary care for over a century to pets of people in financial hardship. The Hendon Pet Hospital is a modern, well-equipped facility with separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment. The team is collaborative and supportive, with diverse clinical interests providing access to a wide pool of knowledge and experience for case discussion and treatment planning.

PDSA is on a growth trajectory, expanding reach across the country. The organisation is committed to embedding diversity, inclusion and family-friendly working practices, with robust safeguarding and recruitment procedures.