Head Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Join Fivelands Veterinary Centre as Head Veterinary Nurse on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Based primarily at the main branch in Moseley, near Birmingham city centre, you'll lead the nursing team across three friendly, well-established small animal sites. This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday with two late shifts finishing at 7:30pm. There are no out-of-hours requirements, giving you genuine work-life balance.

Fivelands is an ISFM Silver Cat Friendly practice with vets holding certificates in Feline Medicine and Dentistry, and others working towards certificates in Surgery and Internal Medicine. The practice also provides referral-level abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, exposing you to a varied and interesting caseload. You'll be part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group, united by a shared purpose of happier animals and happier owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team across all three sites
• Oversee all nursing aspects of the practice and support delivery of high-quality patient and client care
• Set and maintain nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity
• Develop a capable, confident nursing team through mentoring and support
• Manage nursing rotas and ensure smooth day-to-day running of the nursing function
• Work closely with wider practice leadership on culture, performance, and ways of working
• Deliver high standards of nursing care across a varied caseload
• Support surgical procedures, including anaesthesia monitoring and theatre nursing

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• At least 3 years' experience in clinical practice
• 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

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies: maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid leave
• Certificate support
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits: Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles
• Collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

About the Practice

Fivelands Veterinary Centre is a well-established small animal practice with three locations across Birmingham: Moseley (main branch), Hall Green, and Yardley. The practice treats dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small pets in a supportive and collaborative environment. As part of IVC Evidensia, Fivelands benefits from the resources and support of the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group, while maintaining its own identity and local community focus.