Lead Surgical Nurse

About the Role

Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service is looking for a Lead Surgical RVN to drive clinical excellence in their surgical department. You’ll bring 2+ years of post-qualification experience and proven leadership skills to a role that sits at the heart of patient care delivery.

Based in Solihull, this full-time position (38 hours per week) offers genuine autonomy within a busy hospital environment. You’ll work closely with the Head of Nursing Services to oversee day-to-day patient flow, identify training needs across the nursing team, and continuously improve surgical pathways from admission through discharge. It’s a role that demands excellent organisation and communication—but rewards you with the chance to shape standards and develop colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead surgical nursing operations, ensuring consistent high-level patient care and adherence to practice and group policies
• Manage daily patient flow and surgical schedules to optimise efficiency and workload distribution
• Oversee nursing team performance within the surgical department, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Nursing Services to assess training and development needs across the nursing team
• Mentor and support nursing colleagues, fostering a culture of clinical excellence and professional growth
• Demonstrate strong work protocols across all nursing duties while maintaining autonomy in decision-making
• Champion best practice in patient management and pathway efficiency

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) qualification
• Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience
• Excellent communicator with strong organisational skills
• Comfortable working with autonomy in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to maintaining clinical standards and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Leave: 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• Professional support: RCVS and VDS fees paid; external CPD funded; extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
• Financial: Life assurance; staff discount schemes; e-car salary sacrifice scheme; recruitment referral rewards
• Health and wellbeing: Enhanced sickness pay; enhanced equal family leave; employee assistance programme; eyecare voucher scheme; free annual flu jab; cycle to work scheme
• Career development: Clear progression opportunities within Linnaeus
• Mental health support: Access to Mental Health First Aiders and confidential Employee Assistance Programme across all practices

About the Practice

Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service is part of Linnaeus, a leading veterinary group within Mars Veterinary Health. The practice is a dedicated referral facility in Solihull with a strong reputation for clinical excellence and surgical expertise. The team is committed to supporting both patient care and staff wellbeing, with access to extensive CPD, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

Linnaeus operates across multiple practices and referral hospitals, supporting a culture of clinical innovation, inclusivity, and career progression for all veterinary professionals.