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- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic nursing team, enhancing skills and knowledge.
- Company: Join Southfields, a cutting-edge referral service with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, CPD opportunities, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Step into leadership and make a real impact in veterinary nursing.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities within a state-of-the-art facility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) – Training and Development is a leadership role focused on mentoring, teaching and supporting our Patient Care Assistants (PCA), Student Veterinary Nurses (SVN), and Pre and Post Registration (PRP) Nurses to advance their knowledge, experience, and practical skills. This role involves welcoming and supporting new associates through a structured induction programme and stepping into a leadership position to drive ongoing development within the Southfields nursing team.
The role includes effective leadership and representation of the student nursing team and the post-registration programme nursing team. You will work closely with the Head of Nursing Services (HONS) and other team leaders to ensure the efficient delivery of outstanding patient care through active coaching, training and mentorship of PCAs, SVNs and PRP nurses.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the recruitment, development, and performance of preceptors, clinical supervisors, and mentors
- Co-ordinating training and standardisation in collaboration with the central development team
- Maintaining Southfields’ training practice status, including scheduling degree SVN placements
- Co-ordinating working rotas and off-the-job training
In addition to training and development responsibilities, you will actively contribute to the clinical rota, including participation in the senior nursing team weekend rota. This will involve leading efficiencies through effective scheduling, case throughput, forward planning, and clear communication. You will co-ordinate associate breaks, allocate cases based on nursing skill set, and make timely, informed decisions to support strong clinical and operational performance. Your leadership will ensure resources are optimised, patient care standards are upheld, and the team feels supported and motivated.
Career Development
This position plays a significant role in the growth and advancement of the Southfields nursing team as the hospital continues to expand services within its 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art referral facility. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into leadership, supported by the Southfields Senior Leadership Team. Experience working in a referral environment would be advantageous.
About You
This role requires strong, inclusive and decisive leadership, clear communication, and the ability to inspire and motivate others in line with the Southfields and Linnaeus nursing strategy. You will demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge, understanding, and practical nursing skills, leading by example and ensuring evidence-based nursing practice remains central to team delivery. You will adopt a solution-focused mindset, proactively identifying challenges and implementing sustainable improvements. Strong critical thinking and collaborative skills are essential to support clinician governance processes, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in patient care standards.
Essential Requirements
- Right to work in the UK
- Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Strong communication skills and professional approach
- Experience in a referral environment desirable but not essential
About Southfields
Southfields is the new name in referral services. This is an exciting time to join a forward-thinking and highly motivated team, supported by the Linnaeus Group, with significant investment in innovative services, a contemporary state-of-the-art working environment, and a strong commitment to personal and career development. With an excellent support structure in place, you will be able to focus on delivering high-quality care in a friendly and supportive practice environment.
What We Offer
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Generous CPD allowance and allocated CPD days
- Access to extensive Linnaeus clinical and non-clinical CPD programmes
- Career development opportunities within Southfields and the wider Linnaeus network
- Pension scheme with employer contribution
- Life Assurance (4x salary)
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Eye care voucher scheme
- Annual flu vaccination
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff discount and benefits platform
At Linnaeus, we are committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of all our Associates, with access to Mental Health First Aiders and confidential wellbeing resources.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply button. For an informal discussion or more information about the role, please contact our Nursing Talent Acquisition Business Partner: Purvi Kataria Email: Purvi.Kataria@linnaeusgroup.co.uk All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you require any support in completing your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.
Closing Date: Sunday 25 January 2026
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Essex employer: Linnaeus
Contact Detail:
Linnaeus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, especially those who work at Southfields or similar places. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your leadership skills and mentoring experiences. Think of specific examples where you've inspired others or improved team performance – this will show you're the right fit for the Lead RVN role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay positive and be yourself during the interview process. The team at Southfields is looking for someone who fits their culture, so let your passion for veterinary nursing shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Lead RVN – Training and Development. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about mentoring and leading a team, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've inspired or motivated others, as this will resonate with us.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for veterinary nursing shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our forward-thinking team at Southfields!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and practical skills. Be ready to discuss specific cases or experiences that highlight your expertise in mentoring and training others, especially in a referral environment.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach. Think of examples where you've inspired or motivated a team, and how you’ve handled challenges in a supportive way. This role is all about leading by example, so let that shine through!
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since strong communication is key in this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery and ensure your points come across effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing development opportunities, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
