Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader

About the Role

You'll take on the clinical leadership of PDSA Leeds, a modern charity hospital serving the local community. As Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader, you'll hold clinical governance responsibility for the hospital and lead the veterinary surgeon team to deliver efficient, professional and caring service. This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week within hospital opening hours of 8:30am to 6:00pm.

The role includes participation in the weekend and bank holiday rota on approximately a 1 in 7 basis, with time off in lieu and enhanced pay. Importantly, you'll have one protected day per week away from the clinical rota dedicated to leadership, team development and driving clinical standards and service improvement initiatives. This is a genuine leadership opportunity, and you'll be supported by training, development and a wider leadership network including the Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Head Nurse, Client Services Manager and Veterinary Nurse Team Leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold clinical governance responsibility for the hospital and maintain high clinical standards
• Lead, mentor and develop the veterinary surgeon team; oversee recruitment, selection, coaching and performance development
• Lead case discussions and share knowledge across the team to support clinical decision-making and continuous improvement
• Work collaboratively with nursing and client services leadership to deliver integrated patient care
• Drive clinical service improvement initiatives and implement best practice protocols
• Support the growth and development of other team members through leading by example and sharing clinical skills
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of clients and stakeholders

Requirements

• Registered with the RCVS as a Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS)
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or developing individuals or teams, or readiness to take the first step into a formal leadership role
• Confident communicator with strong collaborative and people skills
• Commitment to shared learning, supporting others and leading by example
• Ability to balance clinical practice with strategic thinking and service improvement

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £60,769 to £68,325 per annum including allowances
• CPD allowance of 5 days and £1,000 per year for professional development
• Full RCVS fees paid by the employer
• Access to 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 annually: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance and individual circumstances
• Generous pension scheme with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Life assurance providing four times annual salary
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services
• Staff discounts through the Fetch benefits platform including retail, holiday and lifestyle offers

About the Practice

PDSA Leeds is a highly collaborative, well-equipped charity hospital providing vital veterinary care for pets of people in financial hardship. The practice features modern facilities including separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment. Teams have varied clinical interests, creating a rich environment for case discussion and shared learning.

PDSA is a national charity organisation with a century-long history of providing accessible veterinary services. The team culture emphasises collaboration, support and a shared commitment to making a genuine difference for pets and their owners. The practice is part of a wider leadership network and commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing across all staff members.