Head Veterinary Nurse

Apollo Vets - Black Notley, Braintree, East of England

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time

Up to £35,000 DOE

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking a knowledgeable, confident Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Apollo Vets on a full-time basis.

Apollo Vets is a 3-branch group of surgeries providing trusted veterinary expertise to pet owners in Black Notley, Maldon and Dunmow. You will be required to work across all 3 of our sites.

With ambitious growth plans, Apollo Vets is seeking a Head Nurse to drive clinical standards, promote proactive care, and lead a team of committed veterinary nursing professionals.

Practice Highlights

Join our team of 4 vets, 6 nurses and 4 support staff based across 3 sites

At all sites we have an X-ray, ultrasound and internal labs, with dental facilities at Black Notley

Lots of potential for both personal and professional growth

Lovely client base

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient and client care.

You’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.

Working Pattern

40 hours per week

Working either 4/5 days per week between 8 am - 7 pm; however, this will require flexibility

Saturday rota between 8 am - 1 pm as and when required

Key Responsibilities

Set standards in terms of professional conduct

Support the partners in new projects/encourage team involvement in new projects to ensure the smooth running and continual improvement of the practice

Manage the Nursing Team

Manage stocking levels

Organise training to ensure a high level of nursing care

Monitor staff performance & coordinate biannual appraisals

Organise/attend meetings

Update all current veterinary legislation

Clinical coaching

Equipment maintenance

Maintain membership with the RCVS

Attend the adequate hours of CPD as required by the RCVS

Fulfil the obligations of the rota, sick/absence cover

Carry out any reasonable requests made by other members of the management team

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You’ll bring:

Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS

Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills

Proven experience of leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams

Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards

Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills

Passion for working collaboratively to allow growth across our sites

A desire to drive standards and improve the services we offer

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards, team development and service improvement

Structured leadership pathways through our dedicated Nurse Academy, empowering you to shape the future of nursing care within our practice

Clear career development with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles

Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth

A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Additional annual leave for your birthday, which will be added to your holiday allowance

Increasing annual leave accrued through length of service

Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay

Private Medical Insurance

Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme

£550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave

RCVS and VDS fees covered

Pension scheme

Discounted veterinary care

Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you, including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

Apollo Vets - Black Notley

45 Witham Road, Black Notley, Braintree, CM77 8LQ, United Kingdom

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Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets

Rabbit Friendly

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At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Amy Padgett from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.

Talent Executive

Amy Padgett

amy.padgett@ivcevidensia.com