Head Veterinary Nurse

Posting date:	29 April 2026
Salary:	£30,000 to £35,000 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	29 May 2026
Location:	Saffron Walden
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	Purosearch
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	JOB-58095-20726

Summary

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