Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; Shefford; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary care provider in Cork is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse to lead and inspire their nursing team. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills along with a passion for delivering exceptional care. The role offers a mix of leadership and hands-on clinical work, competitive salary, and multiple employee benefits including CPD allowances and wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave

Paid maternity/paternity leave

Cycle-to-work scheme

CPD allowance

Employee pension contributions

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with experience in leading teams.
• Strong understanding of clinical governance standards.
• Ability to foster teamwork and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor nursing teams for exceptional patient care.
• Oversee training plans and staff development.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Exceptional patient care

Teamwork

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification

Job description

Head Veterinary Nurse

Sunbeam Veterinary Group, Cork

Full-time, Permanent

Salary up to €45,000 DOE and Excellent Benefits

Relocation Assistance available

Lead. Inspire. Make an Impact.

Are you an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse ready to take the next step in your career? Sunbeam Veterinary Group in Cork is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse to lead, support, and inspire our talented nursing team across our multi‑site, small animal group.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated RVN who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care. You'll play a key role in maintaining high clinical standards, driving team development, and shaping the future of our nursing function.

If you're looking for a role that combines leadership, clinical excellence, and a supportive culture where your ideas and expertise are valued - we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

• Contract: Full‑time, Permanent
• Hours: 40 hours per week (plus weekends in rotation)
• Salary: Up to €45,000 DOE + benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor our nursing teams to ensure exceptional patient and client care.
• Foster teamwork, communication, and professional development across the group.
• Manage and support appraisals, training plans, and ongoing staff development.
• Oversee rotas, stock control, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and clinical governance standards.
• Collaborate with senior management to drive practice improvements and implement new initiatives.
• Maintain your own clinical nursing duties to lead by example.

This position offers an exciting balance between leadership and hands‑on clinical work, allowing you to stay connected to the team and the patients you care for.

About Us

Sunbeam Veterinary Group is a long‑established 100% small animal practice group with multiple clinics across Cork City, supported by a busy referral hospital at Northpoint.

Our services include:

• CT scanning, digital radiography, and ultrasound
• Laparoscopy and endoscopy
• Orthopaedic and spinal surgery
• In‑house laboratory
• Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation facilities
• 24‑hour emergency service at our main referral centre

With over 40 dedicated team members, including 16 veterinary surgeons and 18 veterinary nurses, we pride ourselves on our collaborative, caring environment. Many of our vets and nurses hold or are pursuing certificates – and we're passionate about supporting professional growth and development.

Benefits – subject to pro‑rata

Your wellbeing matters to us. We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our staff, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

Work life balance

• Minimum of 22 days annual leave
• Birthday leave

Focus on employee wellbeing

• Paid maternity, paternity and adoptive leave packages
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• EAP and wellbeing centre access
• Paid bereavement leave
• Company sick pay

Development

• €600 annual CPD allowance with 3 days paid (pro‑rata)
• Bespoke Graduate Nurse Academy, Nurse Evolve and many more in‑house academies
• Leadership Academy for all future leaders, including Head Nurses and Practice Managers
• Career progression opportunities

Professional memberships

• VCI membership paid
• VDS cover paid

Additional benefits

• Annual pay reviews
• "Pawesome" benefits – various discounts including retail and virtual gym
• Employee pension contributions
• Discounted staff pet veterinary fees
• Relocation packages
• Free flu jabs
• Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurse Committee, Clinical Board and many more)

Diversity & Inclusion

Sunbeam Veterinary Group is proud to be a BAME and LGBTQIA+ inclusive employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to providing reasonable adjustments and fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace.

Ready to take the lead?

If you're a confident and compassionate RVN with a passion for leadership and clinical excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Sunbeam Veterinary Group and help shape the next chapter of our nursing team.