Head Veterinary Nurse

The Oak Veterinary Group, Haverfordwest, Haverfordwest, Wales

Discipline: Small Animal

Full Time

Up to £38,000 DOE

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking a knowledgeable, confident Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at The Oak Veterinary Group on a full-time basis. This role offers a £1,000 welcome bonus and relocation allowance of up to £1,000.

The Oak Veterinary Group is based in beautiful Pembrokeshire, surrounded by some of the most stunning coast and countryside Wales has to offer. Our main small animal practice in Haverfordwest is due to undergo a property redevelopment programme in 2027 and offers surgery, dentistry, internal laboratory facilities, ultrasound, radiography and endoscopy.

Our Hydrotherapy and Physio services are delivered by our full-time Rehab Coordinator at our Fishguard practice. The Fishguard branch also has internal laboratory, dentistry and surgical facilities, alongside the unique opportunity to offer clients an aquatic treadmill for hydrotherapy. We also offer laser and acupuncture services across both sites.

Practice Highlights

Based in beautiful Pembrokeshire, surrounded by stunning coast and countryside

Main small animal practice in Haverfordwest due to undergo redevelopment during 2026

Facilities include surgery, dentistry, internal laboratory, ultrasound, radiography and endoscopy

Hydrotherapy, physio, laser and acupuncture services available across the group

Schedule 3 procedures encouraged

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient and client care.

This is an exciting time to join our team as you’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.

Working Pattern

37.5 hours per week full-time role

Working hours fall between 8:00am and 7:00pm, Monday to Friday , Includes one late finish and one early start

1 in 5 Saturday rota, currently 8:00am to 1:00pm

No out-of-hours requirements

Key Responsibilities

Lead, inspire and develop the nursing and animal care team

Ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the nursing function while maintaining high clinical standards

Work closely with the Practice Director and Lead Vet as part of the practice leadership team

Provide hands-on clinical leadership, combining patient care with mentoring and team development

Support Student Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Care Assistants through coaching and supervision

Champion infection control, clinical governance and continuous quality improvement

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You’ll bring:

Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS

Significant experience in clinical practice with 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

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards, team development and service improvement

Structured leadership pathways through our dedicated Nurse Academy, empowering you to shape the future of nursing care within our practice

Clear career development with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles

Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth

A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Additional annual leave for your birthday, which will be added to your holiday allowance

Increasing annual leave accrued through length of service

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

Private Medical Insurance

Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme

£550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave

RCVS and VDS fees covered

Pension scheme

Discounted veterinary care

Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you, including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

The Oak Veterinary Group, Haverfordwest

Prendergast Place Farm, Well Lane, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PL, United Kingdom

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Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets

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

Talent Partner

Shan Lewis

shan.lewis@ivcevidensia.com