Pet Hospital Leader

About the Role

This is an opportunity to lead PDSA Derby as a visible and approachable Pet Hospital Leader, supporting a friendly and dedicated team in a busy hospital environment. The role is focused on operational leadership, people development and keeping the service running smoothly for pets and owners who depend on PDSA.

You will work closely with Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and Client Services teams, helping to create a positive, collaborative culture where colleagues feel supported, valued and empowered. The hospital is described as fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on coaching, problem solving and continuous improvement.

Previous experience as a Head Nurse, Practice Manager or Operational Leader is mentioned as relevant background, though the role is framed more around leadership ability, sound judgement and a genuine interest in developing people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the hospital team at PDSA Derby and act as a visible, approachable presence across the hospital.
• Support people, drive operational excellence and help ensure high standards across the service.
• Work alongside Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and Client Services teams.
• Coach and develop colleagues, helping embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Make decisions, solve problems and bring teams together around a shared goal.
• Help ensure PDSA’s mission, values and commitment to compassionate care are reflected in day-to-day work.

Requirements

• Strong leadership skills.
• Sound judgement.
• A genuine passion for developing people.
• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to make decisions, solve problems and bring teams together.
• Background as a Head Nurse, Practice Manager or Operational Leader is mentioned as relevant.

Benefits

• Salary of £44,631 to £54,612 per annum, including allowances.
• Flexible working options.
• CPD allowance of 3 days and £500 per year for development.
• Full RCVS fees paid where applicable.
• Extensive 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 up to five extra days.
• Three paid special days off each year: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day.
• Pension contributions from PDSA starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
• Life assurance at four times annual salary.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover.
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through the Fetch benefits platform.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance and access to staff veterinary services.

About the Practice

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, providing vital veterinary care for pets whose owners are in financial hardship. The organisation says it has supported pets for over a century and is now looking to expand its reach further.

PDSA Derby is described as a highly collaborative and supportive hospital with modern facilities including separate dog and cat kennelling, digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment. The wider organisation emphasises teamwork, shared learning, inclusion and safeguarding.