Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

Ref:  38280
Contracted Hours:  40
Custom Field 4: 
Job Type:  Permanent
Location: 

Handforth, ESS, SK9 3RN

Description: 

We are looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse to join us in a leadership role as the Head of our fantastic nursing team in Braintree; the perfect steppingstone if you’re looking for progression in your career!

About the Role:

You’ll be working in an established practice with a varied and interesting caseload, giving you opportunities to grow your skillset and work in the areas you’re interested in and enjoy. 

Part of your role will include:

  • Leading, supporting and inspiring the nursing and VCA team on a day-to-day basis, including training and mentoring
  • Acting as a role model across all aspects of clinical nursing
  • Help to streamline and optimise workflows to ensure smooth practice operations
  • To champion nurse-led consults and support their growth within the practice
  • Participating in appraisals, clinical audits, and team development initiatives
  • Encouraging individual clinical interests and professional growth across the nursing team 

We’re keen for all colleagues to have a voice and share ideas to have a real impact on the success of our practice and drive the business forward. You will help with the daily running of the practice and lead by example, using your training and experience to its fullest to mentor others, whilst delivering the highest standards of client and patient care. 

We are looking for a forward-thinking, enthusiastic and experienced RVN who:

  • Has strong general nursing experience in small animal practice with at least 3 years of experience
  • Is confident in leadership and team support
  • Has excellent client care and communication skills
  • Enjoys developing others and leading by example
  • Is organised, proactive, and comfortable driving positive change
  • Has experience of clinical coaching (a course or refresher training can be provided if needed).

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with a shared weekend rota of just 1 in 4 weekends. A day of TOIL will be given following a weekend worked. Shift patterns are 8:30am-4:30pm or 11:15am-7:15pm, all including a 30-minute lunch break.

About Us:

We’re a supportive and friendly team with varying experience and interests made up of 5 Vets, 4 RVNs, 2 SVNs, 4 Receptionists, and a Practice Manager. We are based inside a popular Pets at Home store in Freeport Shopping Village, just a 5-minute walk from the train station, 20 minutes from Stansted Airport, and 45 minutes from the coast.

We can offer you: 

  • Salary up to £35,000 (depending on experience)
  • Generous CPD allowance with allocated time off to complete
  • Emphasis on wellbeing
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Paid memberships (RCVS, BVNA, VDS)
  • Exclusive company and high street discounts and rewards
  • Shared allocation of Bank Holidays (1-2 per year)

Location: CM77 8YJ

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!

Business Unit:  Vet Group
Date:  14 Apr 2026