Veterinary Nurse Team Lead

Animal Trust (UK); Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Six weeks’ annual leave

Funded CPD

RCVS and VDS fees paid

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Electric Car scheme

Perkbox discounts

20% staff discount

Refer-a-Friend bonus

Job summary

Animal Trust is seeking a Veterinary Nurse Team Lead to join our Ashton clinic. You will support leadership, ensure high-quality patient care and mentor nursing staff while working 40 hours per week over four days.

You will lead by example, promote teamwork and uphold infection control, safety and governance standards, ensuring smooth clinic operations and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 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 across teams.
• Organisation and planning: Managing priorities effectively.
• Professionalism and integrity: Working compassionately and in line with Animal Trust’s values.

Responsibilities

• Lead the nursing team with day-to-day management, coordination and development.
• Deliver high-quality patient care in line with clinical standards and governance.
• Support CPD, training and skills development for staff.
• Promote effective communication across clinical, reception and management teams.
• Support audits, incident reviews and improvements to clinical care and team performance.
• Manage delegated duties including stock control and new processes.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical excellence

Communication

Teamwork

Organisation & planning

Professionalism & integrity

Job description

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

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

• Deliver high-quality patient care in line with clinical and professional standards.
• Maintain infection control, health and safety, clinical governance and compliance.
• Provide hands‑on nursing support across triage, inpatient care, anaesthesia and theatre.

Training and development

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

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

• 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.

Locationand hours

• Location: Animal Trust, Ashton
• Hours: 40 hours per week over 4 days
• Weekend working: 2 in 9 Saturdays, with time off in lieu

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.