[Puro Search
Published
April 29, 2026
Location
Saffron Walden, Essex, United Kingdom
Category
Job Type
Perm  
Salary
£30,000 — £35,000

Description

Head Veterinary Nurse (Head RVN)
Saffron Walden, Essex

Salary: Up to £35,000 DOE + Bonus | Full or Part-Time | Leadership Opportunity

Role Highlights

  • Leadership role within a busy, well-equipped first opinion hub practice
  • Opportunity to shape clinical standards and influence practice direction
  • Supportive, multi-site team with strong clinical expertise and collaboration
  • Excellent development prospects including CPD and certificate support

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to step into a Head Nurse position within a well-established small animal practice.

This role offers a balance of clinical nursing and leadership responsibilities, working closely with senior management to drive high standards of patient care and team development.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading, mentoring and managing the nursing team (RVNs, SVNs, PCAs)
  • Driving high clinical standards and clinical governance across the practice
  • Supporting all areas of the nursing rota including theatre, consults and inpatient care
  • Overseeing clinical operations including equipment, stock and pharmacy management
  • Acting as a Clinical Coach and supporting training and development
  • Contributing to strategic and operational decision-making within the practice

This is an ideal opportunity for a Senior RVN ready to progress or an existing Head Nurse seeking a new challenge.

Hours & Work Pattern

  • Full-time or part-time considered (minimum 3 days per week)
  • Flexible working patterns available
  • Participation in the nursing rota required

The Practice & Team

The practice delivers a high level of care, including:

  • Advanced diagnostics and medical workups
  • Orthopaedic and laparoscopic surgery
  • Comprehensive inpatient and surgical care

You will be part of a collaborative leadership team, working alongside experienced clinicians and support staff in a forward-thinking environment.

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary up to £35,000 (pro rata, dependent on experience)
  • Performance-related bonus scheme
  • Generous CPD allowance with certificate support
  • RCVS fees paid and VDS cover provided
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
  • Private medical insurance (including pre-existing conditions)
  • Enhanced pension contributions
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
  • Generous staff discount scheme
  • Sick pay and wellbeing support

About You

  • RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse
  • Previous leadership or senior nursing experience
  • Confident across all areas of clinical nursing
  • Strong communication and team management skills
  • Passionate about clinical excellence and team development
  • Clinical Coach experience desirable

Apply Now

For more information or a confidential discussion hit apply contact:
l.stewart@purovets.com
01904 570056

View more opportunities: https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/

£250 referral bonus available (T&Cs apply)

Reference: JOB-58095

Apply
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