Pet Hospital Lead

About the Role

This Pet Hospital Lead position at PDSA Derby offers the chance to guide a busy and rewarding hospital where each day brings new challenges, achievements and opportunities to make a difference. You will play a key role in supporting people, driving operational excellence and helping to ensure pets and owners receive exceptional care and service.

The role is suited to someone with strong leadership skills, sound judgement and a genuine interest in developing people. You will work closely with Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and Client Services teams, helping to build a positive, collaborative culture and acting as a visible, approachable presence across the hospital.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of PDSA Derby hospital.
• Support and develop colleagues across Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and Client Services teams.
• Drive operational excellence and help embed continuous improvement.
• Make decisions, solve problems and bring teams together around shared goals.
• Champion high standards across every aspect of the service.
• Help ensure PDSA's mission, values and compassionate care are reflected in the hospital's work.

Requirements

• Strong leadership skills.
• Sound judgement and confidence in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for developing people.
• Background as a Head Nurse, Practice Manager or Operational Leader is mentioned as relevant experience, but other backgrounds may also be suitable.

Benefits

• Salary of £44,631 to £54,612 per annum, including allowances.
• 37.5 hours per week, full-time permanent contract.
• Flexible working options.
• CPD allowance of 3 days and £500 per year.
• Full RCVS fees paid, where applicable.
• Internal CPD programmes plus discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show, where applicable.
• 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy or sell an extra five days.
• Three paid special days each year: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day.
• Pension contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
• Life assurance worth four times annual salary.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover.
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through Fetch.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.

About the Practice

PDSA has provided veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship for over a century. The organisation is focused on helping even more people and pets together, with a future-facing approach to expanding its reach.

PDSA Derby is described as a highly collaborative and supportive hospital with shared learning and continuous development at its core. The modern, well-equipped Pet Hospital includes separate dog and cat kennelling, digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.