Head Veterinary Nurse - Maternity Cover & Team Lead

Portland Group; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RCVS membership paid

VDS membership paid

Job summary

Portland Vets Crawley is recruiting a Head Veterinary Nurse (Maternity Cover) to lead our RVN and PCA team at Crawley. We offer a 12-month fixed contract from February 2027 to February 2028, 40 hours per week across 8-hour shifts, with enhanced weekend rosters and paid lunches.

The role requires an experienced RVN with leadership skills and excellent communication in a busy, modern practice. The Crawley branch features four floors, dedicated feline, canine and exotic areas and state-of-the-art

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with up-to-date RCVS registration.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervision, or training experience.
• Strong clinical knowledge and patient care skills.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead nursing team and oversee RVN and VNA staff.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, diary management and clinical scheduling.
• Develop and implement practice protocols and SOPs.
• Recruitment, induction and line management of nursing staff.
• Manage rosters, leave, and CPD coordination.
• Ensure compliance with student training and placements.
• Support clinical audits and stock control.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team player

Organisation

Calm under pressure

Patient care

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Job description

Portland Vets Crawley is recruiting a Head Veterinary Nurse (Maternity Cover) to lead our RVN and PCA team at Crawley. We offer a 12-month fixed contract from February 2027 to February 2028, 40 hours per week across 8-hour shifts, with enhanced weekend rosters and paid lunches.

The role requires an experienced RVN with leadership skills and excellent communication in a busy, modern practice. The Crawley branch features four floors, dedicated feline, canine and exotic areas and state-of-the-art