Head Veterinary Nurse
| Posting date: | 19 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 June 2026 |
| Location: | Benenden |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Purosearch |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | JOB-58338-20726 |
Summary
Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse
Near Benenden, Kent
Salary: £34,000 per Annum + £1,000 Joining Bonus | Full-Time | Permanent
Role Highlights
Leadership opportunity in a modern, well-equipped first-opinion practice
90% clinical and 10% administrative responsibilities
Lead and mentor a supportive team of RVNs, VCAs and student nurses
Advanced facilities including ultrasound, dental X-ray, in-house laboratory and ophthalmology
£1,000 joining bonus plus excellent benefits and career progression opportunities
The Role
This is an ideal role for a confident and organised nurse who enjoys combining hands-on clinical work with team leadership responsibilities. With approximately 90% of your time spent clinically and 10% focused on administration and management, you will remain at the heart of patient care while helping to guide and support the nursing team.
You will oversee day-to-day nursing operations, mentor colleagues and student nurses, and ensure the highest standards of clinical care and branch organisation are consistently maintained.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support the nursing team and student veterinary nurses
Oversee nurse rotas, holiday planning and daily workflow
Maintain high standards of nursing care and clinical protocols
Assist with consultations, diagnostics and surgical procedures
Monitor anaesthesia and provide perioperative nursing support
Manage controlled drugs, stock control and health and safety procedures
Run nurse clinics and preventative healthcare consultations
Support team development, mentoring and performance management
Handle administrative duties including reporting and liaising with suppliers
Promote a positive, collaborative and supportive team culture
Working Pattern
Full-time permanent position
40 hours per week
Five days per week with 8-hour shifts
Weekend work compensated with time off in lieu or additional pay
The Practice
This is a fully equipped small animal practice offering a broad range of diagnostic and treatment capabilities in a modern clinical environment.
Facilities include:
Digital X-ray
Dental suite with dental X-ray
Ultrasound
In-house blood analysis
Ophthalmology equipment
Well-equipped surgical and treatment areas
The Team
You will be leading and working alongside:
3 Registered Veterinary Nurses
4 Veterinary Care Assistants / Client Care Assistants
Branch Manager
Student Veterinary Nurses
This is a close-knit and supportive team where collaboration, development and high standards of care are central to daily practice life.
Salary & Benefits
£34,00 per annum depending on experience
£1,000 joining bonus
5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
Birthday leave
RCVS and VDS fees paid
Extensive internal and external CPD opportunities
Life assurance
Enhanced sickness pay
Enhanced equal family leave
Staff discounts
Cycle to work scheme
Free annual flu jab
Eyecare vouchers
Employee Assistance Programme
About You
Strong clinical skills including anaesthesia and surgical nursing
Previous leadership or mentoring experience preferred
Highly organised and able to work independently
Approachable, supportive and confident communicator
Passionate about maintaining exceptional patient care standards
Why Join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role while remaining heavily involved in clinical work.
You will have the chance to shape nursing standards, mentor colleagues and develop your leadership skills in a supportive and progressive environment with excellent facilities and genuine opportunities for advancement.
Apply Now
For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact:
Luke Stewart
l.stewart@purovets.com
01904 570056
View more opportunities: https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/
£250 referral bonus available (T&Cs apply)
Ref: JOB-58338