Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Cardiff

purovets; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary care provider in Cardiff is seeking a Senior Veterinary Surgeon to lead their clinical team. The role emphasizes exceptional pet care, team management, and operational oversight. Candidates should have strong leadership skills, clinical expertise, and a passion for animal welfare. This position offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits including flexible working options and CPD funding.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Life assurance (4x salary)

CPD funding (£1,000)

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a clinical setting.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to inspire teams and create a positive culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a dedicated veterinary and nursing team.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency and support.
• Manage hospital budgets and optimize resources.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Communication

Organizational skills

Compassion for animals

Education

Veterinary Medicine Degree

Job description

Senior Veterinary Surgeon - Cardiff

• Lead with Purpose: Head up a talented veterinary team and shape the future of compassionate pet care
• Drive Excellence: Oversee clinical standards, hospital operations, and team wellbeing
• Inspire Growth: Mentor and develop colleagues in a supportive, inclusive environment
• Great Rewards: Earn £65,500–£71,700 DOE plus private medical insurance, life assurance (4x salary), and up to 10% pension contributions
• Brilliant Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays, extra Wellbeing, Celebration & Volunteering Days, and £1,000 CPD funding + 38 hours for professional development

Over 100 Years of Caring for Pets and People — Join a Team That Makes a Real Difference!

For over a century, this trusted organisation has been at the heart of animal welfare, delivering compassionate care and support to pets and the people who love them.

• Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For
• 2.2 million veterinary treatments, 430,000 pets helped, and 6.6 million people supported in 2023
• A network of 49 hospitals and over 110 charity shops, powered by 2,250 employees and 1,800 volunteers

The Opportunity: Senior Veterinary Surgeon

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon to lead one of the organisation’s busy Pet Hospitals.

This is a pivotal leadership role — providing clinical direction, operational oversight, and people management to ensure the delivery of exceptional veterinary care. The Senior Veterinary Surgeon will lead by example, overseeing clinical quality, team performance, and the day‑to‑day running of the hospital.

You will manage and mentor Veterinary Surgeons and the Head Nurse, coordinate daily clinical workflow, and ensure every pet and owner receives safe, efficient, and compassionate care. Accountable for clinical governance, client experience, rota and resource planning, and financial management, the Senior Veterinary Surgeon will drive excellence in every aspect of hospital performance — balancing high‑quality care with cost‑effective practice.

This is an opportunity for a proactive, people‑focused leader to make a meaningful impact — nurturing a culture of collaboration, compassion, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a dedicated veterinary and nursing team, fostering teamwork and professional growth
• Oversee daily operations to ensure an efficient, supportive, and high‑performing environment
• Uphold robust clinical governance and ensure adherence to the highest professional standards
• Manage hospital budgets and optimise resources for financial sustainability
• Champion the organisation’s values and commitment to outstanding pet welfare

Rewards and Benefits

• Salary: £65,500 – £71,700 (DOE)
• Contract: 37.5 hours per week, Full‑Time Permanent
• Flexible working options available
• CPD funding: 38 hours per year plus £1,000 annual allowance
• Career progression and leadership development opportunities
• Full RCVS fees covered
• Access to internal CPD and discounts for BSAVA Congress & London Vet Show
• 25 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Additional leave benefits: Wellbeing Day, Celebration Day, and Volunteering Day
• Pension schemes: Auto‑Enrolment or Contributory (5%–10%)
• Life Assurance: 4x annual salary
• Comprehensive wellbeing support — including Employee Assistance Programme and Online Wellbeing Centre
• Private medical insurance and free flu vaccinations
• Cycle to Work Scheme and generous staff discounts

About You

The ideal candidate will be a confident and compassionate Veterinary Surgeon with proven leadership experience in a clinical setting. You will demonstrate a natural ability to inspire teams, create a positive working culture, and deliver operational excellence.

You will bring strong communication and organisational skills, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and remain calm and adaptable under pressure. Your collaborative approach will empower your team to deliver exceptional care, ensuring every pet and owner experiences compassion, professionalism, and respect.

A balance of clinical expertise, financial awareness, and people management skills will be essential — along with a genuine passion for animal welfare and team wellbeing.

For more information or for a confidential chat, please contact Megan on 01904 570056 or email [e-mail].

And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250* for every successful candidate referral. *Terms and conditions apply.