About this role

As Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader, you’ll hold clinical governance responsibility for the hospital and lead the Veterinary Surgeon team in delivering 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 takes a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to clinical decisions. You’ll help guide clear treatment plans that reflect the best options for each pet, while also understanding the real-world needs of each owner.

You’ll also be responsible for key aspects of team leadership, including recruitment, selection, coaching, and development. Working closely with your colleagues, you’ll support good communication, consistent standards, confident case discussion, and practical skill-sharing across the team.

The hospital is modern and well equipped, with separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases, and extensive orthopaedic equipment.

About you

You’ll be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon with more than three years’ experience and the confidence to take on clinical governance and team leadership responsibility.

You may already be in a senior role, or you may be ready to step into a broader leadership position with the support of an experienced organisation behind you. Either way, you’ll bring sound clinical judgement, strong communication skills, and a calm, practical approach to decision-making.

A surgical interest or surgically biased background will be a strong fit. You’ll enjoy discussing cases, supporting colleagues, sharing skills, and helping others develop their clinical confidence.

You’ll also be comfortable working with a wide range of clients, including owners who may need clear, compassionate guidance around accessible treatment options. Above all, you’ll understand the value of practical veterinary care that helps pets receive the support they need.

Our location

Margate offers a coastal lifestyle with real character, combining sandy beaches, sea air, independent cafes, galleries, and a creative local culture. It is a strong fit for someone who wants a meaningful senior clinical role while still having space for life outside work.

Set on the Kent coast, Margate offers easy access to coastal walks, local food, arts, and seaside downtime, while keeping you connected to Canterbury, London, and the wider South East. For a veterinary leader looking for purpose, clinical variety, and a lifestyle location with personality, Margate offers an appealing place to build your next chapter.

Our offer

This is a full-time, permanent role working 40 hours per week, with a salary package of £71,049.71 to £81,320 including allowances.

You’ll also receive a strong benefits package, including:

• Flexible working options to support your work-life balance and individual circumstances
• 5 days of CPD allowance, with £1,000 per year for development
• Full RCVS fees paid, where applicable
• Extensive internal CPD programmes
• Discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy or sell an extra 5 days
• Three paid special days off each year: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day, and Wellbeing Day
• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Life assurance at 4 times your 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
• Access to staff veterinary services

For eligible Veterinary Surgeons requiring visa sponsorship, PDSA can provide a Certificate of Sponsorship and has experience supporting international colleagues through the process.

Financial relocation support is also available for candidates moving to join the team, with the opportunity to speak with PDSA colleagues during the recruitment process to better understand the support available.