Lead Theatre Supervisor (RVN)

About the Role

This is a full-time, permanent position with a structured weekday schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. No weekends, no out-of-hours cover. You'll join North Downs Specialist Referrals, an internationally recognised RCVS-accredited referral centre, and take full ownership of theatre operations while remaining clinically active. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an experienced RVN who thrives in a fast-paced environment alongside one of the largest groups of veterinary specialists in the UK and Europe.

You'll be supported by a team of over 60 Registered Veterinary Nurses and have access to structured development through the Nursing Pathways programme, designed to support RVNs at every stage of their career. This role offers the right balance of responsibility, development, and support without stepping away from clinical work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day organisation of the theatre department, including case scheduling and team coordination
• Plan and allocate staffing resources effectively across shifts, adapting to changes in workload
• Maintain and drive high standards of patient care in line with professional and practice expectations
• Act as a visible, supportive leader within the theatre team, providing guidance and clinical support
• Proactively manage and resolve operational, staffing, and clinical challenges during shifts
• Coordinate patient flow through effective communication with Wards, Diagnostics, Reception, and Bookings
• Ensure theatre areas are maintained to a high clinical and hygiene standard
• Oversee downtime effectively, ensuring cleaning, maintenance, and organisation tasks are completed

Requirements

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse
• Minimum 2 to 3 years' experience within a multidisciplinary referral practice
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Confident working in a fast-paced clinical environment
• High attention to detail and commitment to clinical excellence
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across multiple teams
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Professional and compassionate approach at all times
• Right to Work in the UK

Benefits

• Salary starting up to £39,500 per annum, depending on experience
• 5 weeks' holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• External CPD funded
• Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programmes
• Career progression opportunities
• Staff discount schemes
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Eyecare voucher scheme
• Free annual flu jab
• Cycle to work scheme
• Childcare vouchers
• Recruitment referral reward scheme
• Wellness program and access to Mental Health First Aiders

About the Practice

North Downs Specialist Referrals is an internationally recognised, RCVS-accredited veterinary referral centre providing advanced medical and surgical care across multiple disciplines including surgery, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and anaesthesia. The practice is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world.

Linnaeus is a forward-thinking partnership of highly-respected primary care and referral veterinary practices across the UK and Ireland. The group is committed to excellence in everything it does and driven by a shared purpose: creating a better world for pets. The practice culture emphasises genuine support, regular CPD and learning opportunities, monthly team meetings, and social team events.