Head Veterinary Nurse

Nurse Seekers Ltd; Swindon; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable veterinary practice based in Swindon is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse to lead clinical operations and support the nursing team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in veterinary nursing leadership and a commitment to high-quality care. Responsibilities include supervising staff across multiple sites and maintaining clinical standards. This position offers a 4-day working week, generous holiday, and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

5 weeks’ holiday + bank holidays

VDS & RCVS fees covered

Generous employee discount

Annual performance-based pay reviews

Company pension scheme

£500 CPD allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a leadership role within veterinary nursing.
• Essential RVN qualification; additional qualifications are a plus.
• Must be an experienced Clinical Coach.

Responsibilities

• Lead on clinical standards and development of protocols.
• Induct and supervise clinical staff across three practices.
• Ensure compliance with RCVS standards and provide client care.

Skills

Leadership in veterinary nursing

Client communication

Coaching and mentoring

Education

RVN qualification

Leadership/management training

Job description

Head Veterinary Nurse

Location: Swindon

We are delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a respected, long-standing independent veterinary group. Operating across three sites, including a newly opened gold-standard cat-only clinic, this practice is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care with an emphasis on affordability, teamwork, and continuous professional development.

With 38 staff members, including a dedicated nursing team of 17, the practice offers a supportive environment, strong management structures, and excellent facilities that allow the majority of cases to be handled in-house without referral. This is also a recognised teaching practice with an open, collaborative culture.

We are seeking an experienced, motivated Head Veterinary Nurse to lead clinical standards, support the nursing team, and drive the development of protocols and training across all three sites.

The Role

As Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be responsible for providing leadership, structure, and support across the nursing team and clinical operations. Working closely with the senior veterinary team, practice manager, and clinical manager, you will play a key role in maintaining high clinical standards and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on clinical standards and development of clinical protocols across all sites.
• Induct, supervise, and support all clinical staff across the three practices.
• Manage HR and resource-related responsibilities including:
• Contribute to overall clinical and practice management.
• Ensure compliance with all RCVS standards and requirements.
• Act as an experienced Clinical Coach, supporting student nurses and team development.
• Provide high-quality client care and consulting when required.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a leadership role within veterinary nursing.
• RVN qualification is essential.
• Additional qualifications such as RPA, RLA or leadership/management training are desirable.
• Must be an experienced Clinical Coach.
• Strong consulting skills and excellent client communication.
• Ability to coach, mentor and inspire the wider veterinary team.
• Commitment to ongoing development—future qualifications encouraged.

Desirable Personal Qualities

• Organised, efficient, and proactive.
• Passionate about animal welfare and clinical best practice.
• Compassionate communicator who supports clients and colleagues.
• Motivational team player who thrives in an open, supportive culture.
• Someone who values a healthy work–life balance and brings positive energy to the team.

Working Pattern & Benefits

• 4-day working week: 8:30am–7pm
• Additional 1 in 5 rota for hospitalised patient care
• No out-of-hours emergencies — OOH cover managed externally
• 5 weeks’ holiday + bank holidays
• VDS & RCVS fees covered
• Generous employee discount
• Annual performance-based pay reviews
• Company pension scheme
• £500 CPD allowance