Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

Vets for Pets; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD allowance

Pension scheme

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Vets4Pets in Liverpool is seeking an exceptional Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the nursing team and drive clinical excellence across our busy small animal practice. The role combines leadership with hands-on clinical work to maintain high standards.

Ideal candidates will have RVN status, 5+ years post-qualification experience, and a proven track record in supervision, training and staff development. Salary £35,000-£38,000 with full-time hours and supportive leadership.

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification.
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification nursing experience.
• Leadership or senior nursing experience in a busy small animal practice.
• Strong anaesthetic, surgical and inpatient nursing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the nursing team through example and hands-on clinical work.
• Mentor and develop nurses, student nurses, VCAs and support staff.
• Identify training needs and create opportunities for growth.
• Manage nursing rotas and staffing levels.
• Maintain high clinical, professional and infection control standards.
• Implement and review clinical SOPs.

Skills

Leadership

Nursing experience

Anaesthetic skills

Inpatient care

Job description

Vets4Pets Penny Lane, Liverpool
Salary: £35,000 - £38,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Full Time

Lead. Inspire. Develop.

We are looking for an exceptional Head Veterinary Nurse to lead our nursing team and help drive clinical excellence throughout our busy and growing small animal practice.

This role is ideal for an experienced RVN who leads by example, enjoys developing others, and understands that maintaining high standards requires consistency, accountability, and attention to detail.

As Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be responsible for creating a positive, supportive culture whilst ensuring that all team members understand and meet the standards expected of them. You will be someone who can balance compassion with accountability, providing support and coaching where needed while confidently addressing performance concerns when standards are not met.

The Role

You will oversee the day-to-day management of the nursing team and work closely with the Practice Manager and Veterinary Surgeons to ensure the smooth running of the practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting the nursing team through example and hands-on clinical work
• Mentoring and developing nurses, student nurses, VCAs and support staff
• Identifying training needs and creating opportunities for professional growth
• Conducting regular nursing team meetings and one-to-one check-ins
• Supporting appraisals, performance reviews and development plans
• Producing and managing nursing rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels
• Monitoring workflow and resource allocation across the practice
• Maintaining high clinical, professional and infection control standards
• Supporting the implementation and review of clinical protocols and SOPs
• Working alongside leadership to drive continual improvement within the practice
• Promoting a culture of teamwork, professionalism and accountability

About You

You will be a confident and respected nursing professional who is comfortable leading a team in a busy environment.

Essential Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification nursing experience
• Previous leadership, supervisory or senior nursing experience
• Experience working within a busy small animal practice
• Strong anaesthetic, surgical and inpatient nursing skills
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Experience producing and managing staff rotas

Desirable

• Clinical Coach qualification
• Experience with nurse consultations and schedule utilisation
• Experience implementing clinical protocols and SOPs
• Previous involvement in recruitment, appraisals or performance management

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £35,000 to £40,000 per annum
• Generous CPD allowance
• Paid RCVS and VDS memberships
• Supportive leadership team
• Opportunity to help shape the future of the nursing department
• Contributory pension scheme
• Exclusive company and high street discounts, including 20% off at the Vet Group, Pets at Home and the Groom Room

Location: L15 9EB

We want our colleagues to be as diverse as our clients. Our teams are inclusive and celebrate difference, so if you meet our role requirements, we’d love to hear from you.

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!