At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead theatre operations, mentor the nursing team, and ensure gold-standard clinical practices.
- Company: Join Pennard Vets, a 125-year-old independent practice that values its people and pets.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, 5 weeks holiday, unlimited CPD, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment where your voice matters.
- Qualifications: Must be an RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong surgical experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Own Your Specialty. Grow Your Voice. Leave Your Mark.
Salary: Up to £35,000 DOE
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: 40 hours per week, across 4 days
Location: Sevenoaks, TN13
Closing Date: 3 June 2026, midday
We’re looking for a Senior Theatre Nurse to step into a Clinical Area Lead role at our hybrid hospital in Sevenoaks. You’ll own theatre — set the standards, run the floor, and have a genuine seat at the table when we’re shaping how things work. A professional home for someone with real surgical nursing experience, leadership ambitions, and the drive to make theatre something to be proud of.
A Bit About Us: We’re independent and under clinical leadership — not bound by big corporate policy. Our hybrid model means referral-level care alongside first opinion, and many referral-level surgical pathways are now standard for first opinion patients too. If you want to do something differently, we can have that conversation. No multi-layered approval chain, no being treated like you can’t be trusted with grown-up decisions. Our facilities back it up too: advanced diagnostics including MRI and CT imaging, mechanical ventilation, and access to a diverse team of specialists. The kit is here — we need the right person to lead the team that uses it.
The Role: This is a full-time position working 40 hours across 4 days. As our Senior Theatre Nurse, you’ll take a department lead position — owning surgical theatre operations from staffing and case scheduling through to clinical standards and team development. You’ll be the go-to for theatre, and you’ll have the autonomy to make it excellent.
What You’ll Be Up To:
- Own theatre operations day-to-day — scheduling, workflow, staffing, and case coordination across the surgical team
- Lead and mentor the theatre nursing team, fostering a collaborative, open culture where people feel confident raising concerns and growing their skills
- Set and uphold gold-standard clinical practices across pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care
- Audit clinical processes and patient care practices regularly to drive continuous improvement
- Coordinate with veterinary surgeons and other departments to optimise patient flow and minimise delays
- Oversee stock control and ordering of surgical consumables and implants, and ensure all equipment is maintained and serviced
- Contribute to strategic conversations alongside the Hospital Director and Practice Manager
- Be an ambassador for change — explain the why, bring people with you, and protect what’s already working
You’ll Fit Right In If You:
- Are an RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong surgical nursing experience, ideally in a hospital or referral setting
- Have leadership experience or are genuinely ready to step into a department lead role
- Lead with kindness, clarity, and a little humour — and stay steady when things get busy
- Genuinely enjoy developing other people and watching them grow
- Thrive in “we’ve always done it that way” situations — you don’t bulldoze, but you don’t roll over either
- Have excellent organisational and communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Are passionate about animal welfare and continuous professional development
What We Bring to the Table:
- 4-Day Working Week: 40 hours across 4 days for a genuinely better work-life balance
- 5 Weeks’ Holiday + More: Plus bank holidays, your birthday off if you’re rota’d to work, and an extra week after 5 years
- Unlimited CPD: Subject to Director approval — plus your RCVS and VDS fees covered in full
- Fair Weekend Rota: 1 in 6 Saturday mornings, 1 in 12 on-call weekends (supplemented)
- Wellbeing & Health Support: Medicash health cash plan (dental, optical & more), EAP, trained Mental Health First Aiders on site, and free Vetlife access
- Financial Benefits: Pension scheme, Group Life Assurance at 4× salary with specialist bereavement counselling, and a refer-a-friend bonus
- Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental pay after 2 years’ service
- Outstanding Facilities: Modern surgical environment with MRI, CT imaging, mechanical ventilation, and a diverse specialist team on your doorstep
If you’re a dedicated RVN ready to own a theatre department within a practice that truly values its people and patients, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply Now — careers@pennardvets.com
Please also CC: abby.pye@pennardvets.com
PennardVets is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. If you need any adjustments to the application or interview process, just let us know.
Senior Nurse – Clinical Area Lead (Theatre) Pennard Vets Beyond the ordinary in Sevenoaks employer: Pennard Vets
At Pennard Vets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of every team member. Our unique hybrid model fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, allowing you to take ownership of your role as a Senior Theatre Nurse while enjoying a better work-life balance with a 4-day working week and generous benefits. With unlimited CPD opportunities and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you'll have the chance to grow both personally and professionally in a modern, well-equipped environment dedicated to animal welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nurse – Clinical Area Lead (Theatre) Pennard Vets Beyond the ordinary in Sevenoaks
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff on social media or professional networks. This gives you insider info about the culture and what they value, plus it shows you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership skills and how you've handled challenges in a surgical setting. We want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for animal welfare! During the interview, share stories that highlight your commitment to patient care and how you’ve contributed to improving clinical practices. It’s all about making a connection with your values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nurse – Clinical Area Lead (Theatre) Pennard Vets Beyond the ordinary in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for veterinary nursing shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for animal welfare and how you can contribute to our team at Pennard Vets.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Theatre Nurse role. Highlight your surgical nursing experience and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We value kindness, clarity, and a bit of humour. Let us know who you are and how you’d fit into our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennard Vets
✨Know Your Theatre Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of theatre operations. Be ready to discuss how you would improve workflow and staffing. Think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead a surgical team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach. Pennard Vets values kindness and clarity, so think of instances where you've successfully mentored others or fostered a collaborative environment. Highlight how you can bring people together while maintaining high clinical standards.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Conversations
Since you'll be contributing to strategic discussions, come prepared with ideas on how to optimise patient flow and enhance surgical practices. Familiarise yourself with current trends in veterinary surgery and be ready to share your thoughts on how they could be applied at Pennard Vets.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your commitment to animal welfare and continuous professional development. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that showcase your dedication to improving patient care and supporting your team's growth.
