Head Registered Veterinary Nurse - South West London

VetMatch; Greater London; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Funded CPD

Professional fees paid

Nurse recognition scheme

Income protection

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Job summary

VetMatch is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse for a brand-new independent practice in South West London. You will lead and develop the nursing team, influence workflows and clinical standards, and remain hands-on in patient care.

The role offers a 39-hour, four‑day week with 1:4 weekends, evenings and nights on rotation with overnight accommodation provided, funded CPD, and professional fees paid. You’ll help shape a supportive culture and long-term careers within the practice.

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills required.
• Experience driving high clinical standards in theatre and inpatient care.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and support the nursing team.
• Drive high clinical standards across theatre, inpatient care and nurse consults.
• Influence workflows, standards and ways of working within the practice.
• Support and coach student nurses.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Theatre nursing

Schedule 3 procedures

Student mentoring

Education

RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse)

Job description

A fantastic opportunity to join a new practice from the very beginning, where your ideas, leadership, and nursing standards will genuinely shape how the practice grows. This brand-new, independent South West London surgery is looking for a Head Veterinary Nurse to lead and develop the nursing team. This is an exciting opportunity for an RVN who wants to influence, build, mentor, and create a positive clinical culture where nurses are empowered, supported and fully utilised. As Head Nurse, you'll play a key role both clinically and operationally, helping shape the day-to-day running of the surgery while building a collaborative and engaged nursing team.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead, mentor and support the nursing team
• Help create a positive and inclusive team culture
• Drive high clinical standards across theatre, inpatient care and nurse consults
• Encourage full utilisation of nursing skills, including Schedule 3 procedures
• Support and coach student nurses
• Influence workflows, standards and ways of working within the practice

This role would suit a nurse who enjoys leadership but still wants to remain hands‑on clinically and be involved in patient care.

You'll be joining a modern, purpose‑built surgery that forms part of a large independent veterinary group with a strong reputation for investing in both patient care and its people.

The focus here is on creating calm, well‑equipped clinical environments alongside supportive workplaces where teams feel listened to, respected, and able to develop long‑term careers.

The Role:

• Salary: £34,000+ (DOE)
• 39 hr 4 day working week with 1:4 weekends
• Evenings and nights on rotation with overnight accommodation provided
• Flexible working options considered
• Funded CPD and ongoing development opportunities
• Professional fees paid
• Monthly nurse recognition scheme
• Income protection
• 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Compassionate leave
• Wellbeing support initiatives

If you're looking for a role where your voice genuinely matters and where you can help shape the future of a brand-new practice from the ground up, this could be the perfect opportunity.