Head RVN – Clinical Nursing Manager

About the Role

Woodward Veterinary Practice is seeking an experienced Clinical Nursing Manager to join its leadership team. This is a full-time permanent role offering no out-of-hours work—just daytime practice with Saturday shifts on a rotational basis and time off in lieu. You’ll work 7:30am to 8:00pm (latest finish), with dedicated admin time built into your week so clinical duties and management responsibilities don’t clash.

You’ll be the driving force behind nursing excellence across the practice, working closely with three Lead Nurses and a team of 15 nurses to maintain the highest clinical standards. This role demands excellent communication, strong organisational skills, and the confidence to work with autonomy in a busy environment. You’ll demonstrate outstanding nursing practice while taking strategic responsibility for specific areas of the practice, supported by a warm, friendly team that genuinely values new members.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage nursing rotas and holiday bookings for the team of 15 nurses
• Organise and oversee patient flow day-to-day, ensuring efficient and effective patient pathways from admission through discharge
• Lead nursing team meetings and conduct professional development reviews (PDRs)
• Attend Practice Business Reviews (PBR) with the Practice Manager and Lead Vet
• Take joint responsibility with the PM and Lead Vet for maintaining practice standards across all nursing areas
• Identify and implement improvements to nursing efficiency and patient care protocols
• Ensure adherence to practice policies and group policies (Linnaeus standards)
• Work collaboratively with three Lead Nurses on day-to-day clinical leadership

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with 5+ years post-qualification experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a veterinary nursing environment
• Excellent communicator with strong organisational skills
• Comfortable working with autonomy and managing competing priorities
• Proven ability to mentor and develop nursing staff

Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS membership fees paid
• External CPD fully funded
• Access to extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
• Dedicated admin time within working week for non-clinical tasks
• Staff discount schemes
• Life assurance cover
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Comprehensive wellness programme including employee assistance programme, eyecare vouchers, free annual flu jab, and cycle-to-work scheme
• Staff recruitment referral reward scheme
• Career progression opportunities within Linnaeus group

About the Practice

Woodward Veterinary Practice is part of Linnaeus, a forward-thinking partnership of highly-respected primary and referral veterinary practices across the UK and Ireland. The practice is known for being a friendly, supportive team committed to providing outstanding patient and client care. With a team of 15 nurses led by experienced Lead Nurses, the practice continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to clinical excellence.

Linnaeus is passionate about supporting the physical and mental health of all team members, with Mental Health First Aiders across practices and a confidential Employee Assistance Programme available to everyone. As an equal opportunity employer, Linnaeus is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture.