Head Veterinary Nurse – New Cross, Greater London

Salary up to £35,000 DOE
Senior nursing leadership role with hands-on clinical work
Busy, supportive small animal practice
4-day working week with structured rota
Strong CPD, development and career progression

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated Head Veterinary Nurse to take a leadership role within a busy small animal practice in New Cross, Greater London.

The position offers the chance to shape clinical standards, mentor and develop the nursing team, and play a key role in the continued growth of the practice — while remaining actively involved in day-to-day clinical nursing. This role would suit an RVN ready to step into leadership or an established Head Nurse seeking a new challenge with autonomy and support.

The Role

You will combine hands-on nursing with responsibility for leading, supporting and developing the nursing team.

Duties include leading nurse-led consultations and Schedule 3 procedures, supporting consults, surgeries and diagnostics, overseeing inpatient care, and managing admissions and discharges. You will work closely with the wider leadership team to maintain high clinical, regulatory and operational standards, while fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.

The role operates on a four-day working week with 9.5-hour shifts, including:

• 1 in 6 weekends at a nearby hospital

• Two bank holidays per year

• One on-call week annually

What We're Looking For

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse

• Previous experience in a senior or leadership nursing role preferred

• Confident leading, mentoring and motivating a nursing team

• Strong clinical skills with high standards of patient care

• Excellent communication and organisational abilities

• Proactive, supportive leadership style

Location

Based in New Cross, Greater London, the practice benefits from a vibrant, well-connected location with strong transport links and a diverse local community. The area offers a lively working environment alongside excellent accessibility across London.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary up to £35,000 DOE

• 5 weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with length of service

• Additional paid "Day for You” each year

• £750 CPD allowance plus 2 paid CPD days

• Funded certificates and structured internal career pathways

• RCVS, VDS and BVA fees paid

• Health Cash Plan from day one

• 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support

• Life assurance (3× salary)

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Season ticket loans

• Staff discounts on products and services

Must Haves

• RCVS Registered (or soon to be)
• Possess the right to work in the United Kingdom
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What Happens Next?

CLICK APPLY NOW or if you have any questions before applying, or if this role isn't quite right for you, feel free to contact the Vet Seekers team to chat through your veterinary career aspirations in confidence.
 
Quote job reference: 26-00180

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