At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering exceptional care to pets and their owners.
- Company: Join CVS, a caring and inclusive veterinary practice focused on pet wellness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, CPD allowance, and staff pet care discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Develop your leadership skills while making a real difference in animal care.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years qualified with some leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Sheldon, Birmingham
Contract: Full-time, 40 hours across 4 or 5 days with a share in the 1:4 Saturday rota
Practice Type: First Opinion Small Animal
Competitive Salary: £32,000 - £38,000 depending on experience
Do you want to develop your leadership skills while still utilising your clinical nursing experience? At CVS, caring is what we do. As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be at the heart of promoting pet wellness—monitoring patients' health, supporting their recovery, and offering reassurance to the people who love them. Because for us, caring isn't just a job—it is in our nature. We put our people first—because when you're supported, you can deliver the very best care. With industry‑leading learning, hands‑on training, and guidance, you’ll have everything you need to grow your skills and confidence. Whether you’re looking to progress in your current role or explore new career pathways, CVS is the place to nurture your future career.
Life at YourVets Sheldon: YourVets Sheldon is a busy, first opinion, small animal practice with a passionate team of vets, nurses, VCAs, and receptionists. Our facilities include digital x‑ray, dental x‑ray, and ultrasound, along with two theatre tables to support our busy surgical caseload, giving you the tools you need to deliver outstanding care. As a training practice, we provide ample opportunities for development through utilising our nurses to perform Schedule 3 procedures and becoming Clinical Coaches. The practice benefits from the perfect balance of city convenience and nearby green spaces, with excellent transport links to Birmingham City Centre, Solihull, and the wider West Midlands.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and provide clinical support for a team of 10 nurses, 3 VCAs, and one student nurse.
- Manage staff rotas and conduct 1‑1s.
- Deliver inpatient care and run nurse clinics / consults.
- Champion continuous improvement across the practice and promote the highest standard of animal care.
About you:
We're looking for a dedicated Head Veterinary Nurse to join our Sheldon team. You will:
- Be passionate about delivering exceptional care to both our patients and their owners every day.
- Support the outcome of patients’ care in all aspects of clinical work as part of the team.
- Ensure quality is maintained by keeping our practice in excellent condition, ensuring the best possible outcomes for every patient.
- Learn, develop and grow with us, taking advantage of ongoing training and development opportunities offered by CVS and our practice.
- Contribute to creating a positive environment, fostering a friendly, welcoming and supportive team culture.
- Communicate with confidence, using your exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—to build strong, lasting relationships with colleagues, clients, and the pets they love.
Our ideal candidate will have some leadership experience and a minimum of 3 years qualified.
The benefits:
- RCVS fees paid in full.
- Generous CPD allowance, Knowledge Hub access, BSAVA library, and funded advanced training opportunities.
- Excellent Nursing Career Pathway.
- Up to 33 days holiday (with option to buy/sell).
- Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions, and enhanced family leave policies.
- Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food, and medications.
- Free and accessible on‑site parking.
Join us at CVS. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to do their best work. We foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, inviting diverse perspectives and creating a safe environment to speak up.
Head Veterinary Nurse in Birmingham employer: Southdown Veterinary Group
Contact Detail:
Southdown Veterinary Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Nurse in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow veterinary professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary nursing. Show off your leadership skills and clinical expertise—this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values, like YourVets Sheldon. Tailor your approach to highlight how you can contribute to their mission of exceptional pet care.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for the latest job postings. Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head Veterinary Nurse role. Highlight your leadership experience and clinical nursing background, as these are key to what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for animal care and how you can contribute to our team at YourVets Sheldon. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is vital in this role, ensure your written application is clear and professional. Use proper grammar and structure to demonstrate your exceptional communication skills right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you've supported your team in the past. This shows you're not just a great nurse but also a capable leader.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your love for animal care shine through. Talk about why you chose this profession and what drives you to provide exceptional care. Employers want to see that you genuinely care about pets and their owners.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the practice's approach to continuous improvement or how they support their staff's development. It shows you're engaged and interested in being part of their team.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality come through. The right fit is as much about culture as it is about skills. Show them who you are and how you'd contribute to a positive team environment.