Lead RVN

About the Role

This is your opportunity to step into nursing leadership at Avonvale Stratford, a progressive small animal practice where clinical excellence and team development go hand in hand. Working 40 hours across 4.5 days with a manageable 1:7 Saturday morning rota, you'll balance hands-on nursing care with mentoring responsibilities that truly make a difference. You'll be joining a practice filled with colleagues passionate about their clinical interests—anaesthesia, ECC, behaviour and beyond. The nursing team is supported by dedicated Patient Care Assistants, creating an environment where collaboration thrives and everyone has room to grow. As part of the wider Avonvale group (seven practices strong, all within the Linnaeus family), you'll have access to a network of peers and resources that few practices can match.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor, support and develop the nursing team, fostering a culture of learning and clinical progression
• Work closely with the Senior Vet and Clinical Nurse Manager to deliver high-quality patient care
• Undertake full nurse utilisation, including nurse-led consults and Schedule 3 procedures
• Ensure practice and group policies are consistently upheld across your site
• Facilitate clinical audits within your area of responsibility
• Organise and conduct six-monthly PDRs with your line-managed team members
• Create an efficient, happy and collaborative working environment that supports both patients and staff

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with current RCVS registration
• Minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience
• Demonstrated passion for nursing development and mentoring (or clear willingness to develop these skills)
• Strong communication and organisational abilities
• Commitment to upholding clinical standards and best practice

Benefits

• 5 weeks' holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full
• External CPD fully funded, plus access to extensive free Linnaeus online CPD platform
• Career progression opportunities within Avonvale and the wider Linnaeus group
• Staff discount schemes
• Life assurance and enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Recruitment referral rewards
• Comprehensive wellness programme including Employee Assistance Programme, eyecare vouchers, free annual flu jab, and Cycle to Work scheme

About the Practice

Avonvale Veterinary Practice is a group of seven primary care practices with over 40 years' experience serving the South Midlands and surrounding areas. The practice is home to multiple certificate holders in surgery, imaging and medicine, reflecting a genuine commitment to clinical excellence and ongoing professional development. As part of Linnaeus—a forward-thinking partnership of primary and referral practices across the UK and Ireland—Avonvale combines local decision-making with access to group resources, support systems and learning opportunities. Mental health and wellbeing are taken seriously across the business, with trained Mental Health First Aiders in every practice and a confidential Employee Assistance Programme available to all staff.