job Title: Head Veterinary Nurse – Full Time
Location: Pet Care, part of Kin Vet Community, Erith, Kent
Hours: Full Time (40 hours/week + 1 in 4 Saturdays, 8:30am–2:00pm)
Salary: £35,000–£38,000+ per annum depending on experience + Bonus scheme
Reports to Clinical Director: Sebastiano Re
Supported by Client Services Manager: Tina McQuade
At Pet Care, being part of the Kin Vet Community offers numerous advantages. Kin Vet Community, established in June 2023, is a vet-led collective of 19 veterinary practices across Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Kent and Southwest London. We provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets and their owners with a strong focus on collaboration, professional development, and supporting our clinical teams.
At Pet Care, we are proud to provide a high standard of clinical care and to perform a wide range of advanced surgical procedures, supported by our in-house Certificate Holder in Soft Tissue Surgery. These include advanced oncologic procedures with skin flaps, thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies, mandibulectomies, TECA-BO, liver lobectomies, BOAS surgery, anal sac removal, and more.
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Head Veterinary Nurse (Head RVN) to lead our friendly and supportive nursing team at Pet Care Veterinary Surgery. This hands‑on leadership role, ideal for a confident and compassionate nurse who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care while supporting the day‑to‑day clinical and operational running of the practice.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Clinical Director and wider leadership team to help maintain high clinical standards, support team development, and contribute to the continued growth and performance of the practice.
In addition to the clinical nursing duties, the role includes leadership responsibilities such as line management of the nursing team, stock control, rota support, clinical standards, workflow management, and supporting the ongoing development of junior team members and student nurses.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, communicates well with both clients and colleagues, and is comfortable working in a fast‑paced practice while maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, support and line manage the nursing team, student veterinary nurses, and veterinary care assistants (VCAs)
- Promote a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture within the practice
- Support staff training, mentoring, appraisals, performance reviews, and clinical development
- Assist with rota management, holiday coordination, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels
- Support recruitment and induction of new nursing team members
- Help maintain high clinical, professional, and customer care standards across the practice
Clinical & Operational Management
- Work closely with the Clinical Director to support the day‑to‑day running of the practice
- Oversee stock control, ordering, supplier management and cost‑effective use of consumable
- Ensure compliance with practice protocols, infection control, health and safety, and RCVS standards
- Monitor equipment maintenance and ensure clinical areas are well‑organised and fully stocked
Business & Practice Performance
- Support the Clinical Director with budgeting, stock management, and cost control
- Assist in reviewing, together with the Client Services Manager, practice performance, workflow efficiency, and operational KPIs
- Help identify opportunities for service improvement, clinical development, and team progression
Clinical Nursing Duties
- Deliver high‑quality nursing care across inpatient, surgical, and consultation settings
- Support anaesthesia, surgeries, theatre workflow, and post‑operation care
- Perform nurse‑led clinics and provide preventative healthcare advice to clients
- Support junior team member clinically and act as a role model within the nursing team
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in a leadership or senior nursing role is desirable but not essential for the right candidate
- Previous experience or interest in advanced surgical nursing is advantageous. A Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing or Schedule 3 procedure would also be desirable, although support and funding for further training may be available to the right candidate
- The ideal candidate will be confident working in a busy practice environment, demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, and be committed to maintaining high clinical and professional standards
- You will be supported by an experienced and collaborative leadership team, including our Deputy Head Nurse, who has more than 40 years of experience within the veterinary profession
What We’re Offering
- 5 working weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Private Healthcare with Vitality
- Occupational Health Services
- Free eye test vouchers and financial contribution towards glasses for VDU users
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- 3 weeks’ occupational sick pay
- Generous colleague discount scheme for up to 5 registered pets
- Supportive, friendly team with opportunities to grow your clinical skills
