Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Leadership Role, Meaningful Work – Derby – £67,500–£80,000

A rewarding opportunity for an experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon to take on a clinical leadership role at a modern, well-equipped charitable pet hospital in Derby — making a genuine difference to pets and owners who need it most. 🐾

About the Hospital

This modern, well-equipped charitable pet hospital in Derby has been part of an organisation providing vital veterinary care to pets of people in financial hardship for over a century. It is a highly collaborative and effective working environment, with a team that values case discussion, shared learning and varied clinical interests.

Facilities include separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.

About the Role

This is a full-time, permanent position working 37.5 hours per week, with flexible working options available.

As Senior Veterinary Surgeon, you'll take the clinical lead on a wide and varied caseload — including more complex medical and surgical workups — while playing a visible, approachable role in supporting and mentoring the wider team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on complex cases and providing second opinions to colleagues
• Coaching, mentoring and developing the wider clinical team
• Discussing evidence-based treatment plans clearly and compassionately with clients
• Contributing to clinical governance and continuous improvement
• Supporting new ways of working in line with the organisation's evolving mission

Why Derby?

Derby is a vibrant and well-connected city in the heart of the East Midlands, offering an excellent quality of life at a very affordable cost. 🌿 The city has direct train services to London St Pancras in around 1 hour 20 minutes and to Birmingham in under 30 minutes — making it brilliantly connected for those travelling further afield. Derby sits close to the M1 and A38, providing strong road links across the Midlands and beyond. The stunning Peak District National Park is just a short drive away, offering fantastic walking, cycling and outdoor pursuits on the doorstep — and house prices remain very competitive compared to many other UK cities, making Derby a genuinely attractive place to put down roots.

What They're Looking For

They are looking for a confident, experienced Veterinary Surgeon with strong clinical leadership skills, sound judgement and a calm, pragmatic approach to decision-making. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator who enjoys mentoring others and is genuinely motivated by the purpose behind the work. A relocation package of up to £8,000 is available for candidates moving to take up this role. 🌟

What They Can Offer You

✅ Salary £67,500–£80,000 including allowances

✅ Relocation package of up to £8,000

✅ 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with option to buy or sell up to 5 additional days

✅ Three additional paid days annually — Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day 🌟

✅ CPD allowance of one week plus £1,000 per year, with extensive internal CPD and discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show

✅ Full RCVS fees paid

✅ Generous pension — contributions starting at 5% rising to 10%

✅ Life assurance at 4x annual salary

✅ Private medical cover and 24/7 AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme

✅ Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

✅ Flexible working options

✅ Staff discounts on retail, holidays, lifestyle and pet insurance

How to Apply

If you're an experienced vet looking for a senior role with real purpose, an outstanding package and a brilliantly connected location — get in touch with Ciaran today:

📧 ciaran.drew@gvcvets.com 📞 01392 793241 👤 Ciaran Drew – Global Veterinary Careers