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 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
✨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—make it clear that you're ready to take charge!
✨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
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the practice. Remember, we’re all about building relationships here!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse
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 skills, 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. We want to see how you can build strong relationships with both colleagues and clients through your writing.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our practice there.
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, how you've supported your team, and any improvements you've implemented in previous roles. This shows you're not just a nurse but a leader who can elevate the practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for animal care shine through. Share stories that highlight your dedication to patient wellness and how you’ve positively impacted both animals and their owners. This will resonate with the interviewers and show them you’re a great fit for their caring culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice and its goals. Inquire about their approach to continuous improvement or how they support their staff's development. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the practice aligns with your values.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine. The team at YourVets Sheldon values a friendly and supportive culture, so being authentic will help you connect with the interviewers. Show them who you are beyond your qualifications!