Veterinary Nurse Team Lead

Animal Trust; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Six weeks’ annual leave

Funded CPD

Enhanced maternity and paternity

RCVS and VDS fees paid

Cycle to Work scheme

Perkbox discounts

20% staff discount

Refer-a-Friend bonus

Job summary

Animal Trust in Blackburn is seeking a Veterinary Nurse Team Lead to combine hands-on clinical nursing with leadership duties. You will report to the Lead RVN and support the development and performance of the nursing team, ensuring high patient care standards and a positive working culture.

You will lead by example, promote teamwork and accountability, and coordinate with clinical and management teams to drive improvements in care.

Qualifications

• RVN qualification with current registration and active practice.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a veterinary setting.
• Commitment to CPD and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support nursing team to deliver high-quality patient care.
• Manage staffing, rotas, onboarding and team performance.
• Mentor student and junior nurses, promote CPD and reflective practice.
• Coordinate handovers, meetings and service improvements, escalating concerns as needed.
• Oversee audits, incident reviews and improvements to clinical care and team performance.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Clinical excellence

Communication

Organisation

Professionalism

Education

RVN qualification

Job description

At Animal Trust, we’re looking for a passionate and motivated Veterinary Nurse Team Lead to join our team in Blackburn.

Reporting to the Lead RVN, you’ll support the day-to-day management, coordination and development of the nursing team, helping to maintain high clinical standards and ensure excellent patient care. You’ll lead by example, promote teamwork and professionalism, and help create a positive, supportive and accountable working culture that reflects Animal Trust’s values and mission.

Combining hands‑on clinical nursing with day‑to‑day leadership, you’ll work closely with the Lead RVN to support colleagues, develop the nursing team and ensure the smooth running of the clinic.

Why Animal Trust?

Animal Trust is a unique Community Interest Company (CIC) with a purpose beyond profit. We’re committed to delivering our mission while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our services.

Our vision is simple: no pet should go untreated or face euthanasia when a viable treatment option is available.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership and team management

• Support staffing, rotas, recruitment, onboarding and team performance.
• Lead by example, promoting teamwork, professionalism and accountability.
• Clinical standards and patient care

Training and development:

• Support team development, CPD and skills training.
• Mentor student and junior nurses, encouraging learning and reflective practice.
• Communication and coordination

Communication and coordination

• Promote effective communication across clinical, reception and management teams.
• Contribute to handovers, meetings and service improvements, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Quality and continuous improvement

• Support audits, incident reviews and improvements to clinical care and team performance.
• Manage delegated duties, including stock control, ordering and implementing new processes.

What we’re looking for:

A passionate veterinary nursing professional who combines clinical excellence with a supportive leadership approach, demonstrating:

• Leadership and accountability: Supporting colleagues and taking ownership.
• Clinical excellence: Maintaining high standards of patient care and safety.
• Communication and teamwork: Building positive working relationships.
• Organisation and planning: Managing priorities effectively.
• Professionalism and integrity: Working compassionately and in line with Animal Trust’s values.

Above all, you’ll be committed to teamwork, continuous improvement and making a meaningful difference to pets and their owners.

Location and hours:

• Location: Animal Trust, Blackburn
• Hours: 40 hours per week over 4 days
• Weekend working: 1 in 9 Saturdays

Benefits:

• Six weeks’ annual leave, including bank holidays
• Funded CPD
• Up to 52 weeks of sickness support, subject to policy and eligibility
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
• Contributory pension scheme (4% contribution)
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric Car scheme
• Perkbox discounts
• 20% staff discount
• Refer-a-Friend bonus

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported.