Job Description

Head Veterinary Nurse Ashleigh Vets, Chorlton and Sale, South Manchester Up to £40,000 DOE 40 hours per week4 day week averaged over a 5 week rota Option for a 5 day week if preferred 1 in 5 weekend mornings Saturday 8.00am–12.00pm Sunday 9.00am–11.00am Two bank holiday mornings per yearExample weekday shifts include: 8.00am–7.45pm 8.00am–4.30pm 8.00am–4.00pmEach week includes a rotating weekday off, meaning you will enjoy a long four day weekend (Friday to Monday) every five weeks. Any overtime can be taken as pay or time off in lieu.
Lead a passionate team in a thriving small animal and exotics practiceAshleigh Vets is offering a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into a Head Veterinary Nurse role within our busy and supportive team in South Manchester.This role combines leadership and clinical nursing, allowing you to mentor and support the nursing team while remaining actively involved in patient care. You will work closely with the management team to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the practice while maintaining the high clinical standards our clients and patients expect.
Role DetailsAs Head Veterinary Nurse, you will support both the operational and clinical aspects of the practice while helping to lead and develop the nursing team.Key responsibilities include:*Supporting the management team in the smooth running of the practice*Leading, mentoring and supporting the nursing team*Assisting with rotas, holiday requests and return-to-work interviews*Participating in management meetings and team appraisals*Ensuring nursing protocols and standards are maintained*Delivering excellent patient care and client communication*Alongside leadership duties, you will remain involved in day-to-day nursing activities including:*Inpatient care and monitoring*Admissions and discharges*Anaesthesia and theatre work*Nurse consultations*Ward nursing and recoveries*Pharmacy and clinical records management
About the PracticeAshleigh Vets has proudly served the pets of South Manchester for over 50 years and has built a strong reputation for delivering high standards of veterinary care in a supportive and friendly environment.We operate across two sites: Chorlton Our main branch where we provide small animal services alongside our Avian and Exotic Referral Clinic. Here we see both first opinion and referral exotic cases alongside dogs and cats. Sale Our dedicated cat-only clinic where we provide consultations and routine procedures.Our team currently includes:11 Veterinary Surgeons, including an Exotic Diploma holder and two Exotic Certificate holders9 Registered Veterinary Nurses, many with exotic nursing certificates or currently studying towards themWe are the largest exotic referral practice in the North West while also maintaining a busy and varied dog and cat caseload.The practice is RCVS Silver accredited and Rabbit Welfare Silver accredited. We are staffed 24 hours a day with a dedicated out-of-hours team, ensuring excellent patient care and continuity.Our facilities are well equipped to care for both traditional companion animals and a wide variety of exotic species.
What We’re Looking ForWe are looking for an organised, motivated and supportive RVN who enjoys leading and developing a team.You will:*Be a qualified RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse*Have strong clinical nursing skills*Be confident mentoring and supporting colleagues*Be organised and adaptable in a busy environment*Be passionate about delivering high standards of patient carePrevious leadership experience would be beneficial but is not essential. Most important is a positive attitude and a genuine passion for supporting and motivating your team.
Because Our People MatterWe 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 salary up to £40,000 DOE, you will benefit from:
Work Life Balance*6.6 weeks annual leave*Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service*Your birthday as a paid day off Wellbeing*Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay*Private Medical Insurance*Cycle to Work scheme*Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership*Non-accidental injury support Development*£550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata*Exotic animal training in-house and external courses encouraged*Certificate support including exotic nursing certificates*Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy*Access to Vetlexicon, our online encyclopaedia provider*All our Vets and Nurses can apply for research funding*Infection Prevention and Control Programme*Quality Improvement Programme Professional Memberships*VDS cover*RCVS fees Additional*Pawsome Benefits, reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers*Pension, 5 percent employee and 3 percent employer contribution*Discounted staff pet care