Senior Veterinary Surgeon | Blue Cross Grimsby Animal Hospital

About This Role

Are you a highly experienced Veterinary Surgeon seeking a fulfilling leadership opportunity, or a skilled Veterinary Surgeon ready to elevate your career into a senior management and mentorship position? Blue Cross invites you to join our dedicated team at the Grimsby Animal Hospital as a Senior Veterinary Surgeon. This is a pivotal role within our compassionate and professional environment, offering you the chance to make a profound difference in the lives of pets and their owners.

Blue Cross is a leading national animal welfare charity, committed to providing expert veterinary care to pets whose owners are unable to afford private treatment. Our Grimsby Animal Hospital, located at DN32 7SH, is a busy and vital hub, delivering high-quality medical and surgical services. As a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, you will not only manage a diverse and often complex caseload but also play a crucial role in shaping the clinical standards and professional development of our veterinary and nursing teams. This permanent, full-time position operates on a rolling rota, ensuring comprehensive care and a supportive work-life balance within a 40-hour week. Join us and lead with purpose, contributing directly to our mission of helping sick, injured, and homeless pets.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional clinical leadership and oversight for all veterinary services, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and patient care at the Grimsby Animal Hospital.
• Manage a varied caseload encompassing complex medical, surgical, and emergency presentations, making critical diagnostic and treatment decisions.
• Perform advanced surgical procedures with precision and expertise, including soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics (where applicable), and intricate dental procedures.
• Lead and mentor a team of Veterinary Surgeons, Registered Veterinary Nurses, and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and clinical excellence.
• Oversee clinical governance, implement best practices, and contribute to the development and review of clinical protocols and guidelines to maintain high-quality care.
• Effectively manage emergency cases, providing timely and decisive interventions to stabilise and treat critically ill or injured animals.
• Communicate empathetically and clearly with pet owners, discussing diagnoses, treatment plans, prognoses, and financial implications with compassion and transparency.
• Actively participate in the hospital's rolling rota system, ensuring consistent veterinary coverage and contributing to a balanced team schedule.
• Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to stay abreast of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and surgery, applying new knowledge to enhance patient care and team skills.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A recognised Veterinary Degree and current, valid registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
• Proven significant post-graduate experience as a Veterinary Surgeon, demonstrating a robust track record in managing complex medical and surgical cases.
• Demonstrable experience in a senior veterinary role, or a clear aptitude and desire to develop leadership and management skills within a clinical setting.
• A profound commitment to animal welfare and a passion for the charitable mission of Blue Cross.
• Ability to commit to a permanent, full-time contract, working 40 hours per week on a rolling rota, including some out-of-hours or weekend shifts as required by the rota.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills, capable of inspiring and guiding colleagues.
• Strong organisational abilities, with a capacity to manage time effectively and prioritise a demanding caseload.

Skills & Competencies

• Clinical Leadership & Management
• Advanced Surgical Expertise (Soft Tissue, potentially Orthopaedic)
• Diagnostic Proficiency (Radiography, Ultrasonography, Laboratory Interpretation)
• Team Mentorship & Development
• Client Communication & Empathy
• Emergency & Critical Care Management
• Clinical Governance & Best Practice Implementation

What We Offer

Joining Blue Cross as a Senior Veterinary Surgeon means more than just a job; it's an opportunity to apply your expertise where it matters most, directly impacting the lives of vulnerable pets and their families. You will be part of a supportive and collaborative team, dedicated to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. We foster an environment where professional growth is encouraged, and your leadership will be instrumental in our continued success.

• Competitive annual salary ranging from £59,850 to £68,229, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• The profound satisfaction of working for a renowned animal welfare charity, making a tangible difference every day.
• Opportunity for significant professional development and leadership growth within a dynamic clinical environment.
• A supportive team culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and work-life balance.

How to Apply

If you are a compassionate, skilled, and inspiring Veterinary Surgeon ready to take on a leadership role within a leading animal welfare charity, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your application as soon as possible, as interviews will be arranged promptly upon receipt of suitable applications. The official closing date for this exciting opportunity is Sunday 1st February 2026. Don't miss this chance to lead with purpose and passion at Blue Cross Grimsby Animal Hospital.