Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

About the Role

This is a full-time leadership opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse looking to make a real impact. Working 40 hours across 4.5 days with a manageable 1:7 Saturday morning rota, you’ll step into the Lead Nurse position at Avonvale Stratford—a progressive primary care practice with genuine scope for clinical nursing. You’ll be mentoring a talented team that includes nurses with specialist interests in anaesthesia, emergency & critical care, and behaviour, so you’ll be surrounded by colleagues as committed to development as you are.

This role sits at the heart of the practice. You’ll work closely with the Senior Vet and Clinical Nurse Manager, shaping how the team operates while maintaining the supportive, collaborative culture Avonvale is known for. It’s not about managing paperwork—it’s about developing people and enabling clinical excellence across the nursing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support, develop and mentor the nursing team, including conducting six-monthly PDRs with direct reports
• Deliver full nurse utilisation—including consultation work and Schedule 3 procedures
• Work alongside the Senior Vet and Clinical Nurse Manager to uphold practice and group policies
• Facilitate clinical audits at the practice as required within your area of responsibility
• Create and maintain a happy, efficient and collaborative working environment
• Help drive clinical development across the team, supporting nurses with their specialist interests

Requirements

• Current RCVS registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse
• Minimum 2+ years’ post-registration experience
• Proven ability to mentor and support colleagues
• Strong clinical knowledge and practice management awareness
• Excellent communication and team-working skills

Benefits

• 5 weeks annual holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid by the practice
• External CPD fully funded
• Access to extensive free Linnaeus online CPD library
• Enhanced sickness pay and enhanced family leave
• Life assurance
• Staff discount schemes
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eyecare vouchers and free annual flu jab
• Wellness programme including confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Recruitment referral rewards
• Career progression opportunities within Avonvale and Linnaeus

About the Practice

Avonvale Veterinary Centres is a progressive group of seven primary care practices with over 40 years’ experience. The practice is well-equipped with multiple certificate holders in surgery, imaging and medicine, and is genuinely committed to investing in staff development and clinical excellence. As part of Linnaeus (Mars Veterinary Health), Avonvale champions wellbeing and mental health support, with trained Mental Health First Aiders across the business and a confidential Employee Assistance Programme available to all staff.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a vibrant market town with excellent access to countryside, cultural attractions and amenities. The practice sits at 5 The Rosebird Centre and is well-integrated into the local community.