Head Veterinary Nurse

Kernow Vet Group; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local veterinary practice in High Wycombe is seeking an experienced Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the nursing team while remaining hands-on in clinical care. The ideal candidate is a Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership skills and a passion for animal welfare. Responsibilities include managing nursing operations, supporting the practice manager, and ensuring high standards of care. This role offers a salary of up to £35,000, extensive benefits, and a work-life balance approach.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£550 CPD allowance

Company pension scheme

Staff pet care discounts

Qualifications

• Experience as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in a general practice.
• Proven leadership qualities and a proactive approach.
• Commitment to high standards of animal care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursing team.
• Support daily operations of the practice.
• Guide staff performance and clinical standards.

Skills

Leadership

Nursing care

Organisational skills

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification

Job description

Cherry Tree Vets, High Wycombe, High Wycombe, South East

Cherry Tree Veterinary Practice, Lane End

Salary up to £35,000 DOE

Full-time, permanent

Are you an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse ready to take the next step into a leadership role? We are looking for a motivated, proactive and confident RVN to join Cherry Tree Veterinary Practice as our Head Veterinary Nurse. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about animal welfare, high-quality nursing care and supporting a small, close-knit team to thrive.

Your Role in the Team

This is a hands-on nursing role combined with responsibility for leading the nursing function within the practice. You will play a vital role in both clinical work and the day-to-day running of the practice, ensuring high standards of care, smooth clinical operations and a positive team culture.

You will continue to be actively involved in theatre, anaesthesia, inpatient care and nurse clinics, while also providing guidance, structure and support to the nursing team. Your voice will be valued, and you will work closely with the vets and Practice Manager to maintain and develop clinical standards across the practice.

While you will be based primarily at Cherry Tree, you will also feel part of a wider support network through our sister practices and the IVC Evidensia group.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing the nursing team
• Supporting vets and the Practice Manager with day-to-day operations
• Managing stock control, ordering and supplier relationships
• Overseeing equipment maintenance and ensuring compliance
• Supporting staff performance, development and clinical standards
• Encouraging best practice and a positive, supportive team culture

Work Schedule

• Full-time role working 40 hours per week
• Flexible rota options available, 5 days of 8 hours or 4 days of 10 hours
• Built-in flexibility to support work-life balance
• Varied role combining leadership and hands-on nursing

About Cherry Tree Veterinary Practice

Cherry Tree Vets is a thriving small animal practice located in the charming village of Lane End. Housed in a beautiful 1900s building that has been our home for over 10 years, the practice offers a calm, community-focused environment while being equipped with modern facilities including digital and dental X-ray and ultrasound.

We pride ourselves on being a trusted part of the local community and on delivering compassionate, high-quality care. As part of the IVC Evidensia group, we benefit from the support and opportunities of a large organisation while maintaining the feel of a friendly, close-knit village practice.

What We’re Looking For

Registered Veterinary Nurse with solid general practice experience

Confident and organised with a proactive leadership approach

Passionate about high standards of nursing care and animal welfare

Comfortable supporting and guiding a small team

Keen to continue developing clinically and professionally

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to step into leadership while remaining clinically hands-on, build strong relationships with clients and colleagues, and shape the nursing standards of a well-loved village practice.

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary of up to £35,000 DOE, you will benefit from:

Work Life Balance

6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays

Your birthday as a paid day off

Increasing holiday allowance with length of service

Private Medical Insurance

Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay

Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential support

Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing

Development

£550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rata

Certificate support

Learning and development via the IVC Evidensia Academy

Access to Vetlexicon, our online encyclopaedia provider

Research funding available for all vets and nurses

Infection Prevention and Control Programme

Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

VDS cover

RCVS fees

Additional Benefits

Company pension scheme with employer contribution

Pawsome Benefits with discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers

Discounted staff pet care

Cherry Tree Vets, High Wycombe

Stone House, High Street, Lane End, High Wycombe, HP14 3ER, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Lovell Varcoe from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.