Checked 2026-08-31
Head Veterinary Nurse Ayrshire, Scotland
VetSeekers · Irvine, Scotland, GB
Employer listing
Job description
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to step into a Head Veterinary Nurse position within a well-established small animal practice in Irvine, Ayrshire. This role offers the chance to take on a leadership position within a supportive clinical environment where nurses play a central role in patient care and practice development, with no out-of-hours and flexible working available.
Salary up to £36,000 depending on experience. Flexible working available (30–40 hours per week). 1 in 4 Saturday rota with no out-of-hours. Supportive leadership and development environment. Generous CPD allowance with paid CPD days. Private healthcare and professional fees paid.
This busy and progressive small animal practice operates across several sites within the Ayrshire area and is supported by a large and experienced clinical team. The team environment is collaborative and supportive, with strong emphasis placed on development, communication and maintaining a positive working culture.
14 Veterinary Surgeons. 12 Registered Veterinary Nurses. 2 Veterinary Care Assistants. Clinical Lead Veterinary Surgeons and Clinical Coach Nurses. The practices are well equipped with modern diagnostic and monitoring equipment, enabling the team to deliver high standards of clinical care.
Responsibilities
- This position is ideal for an experienced RVN looking to progress into a leadership role while continuing to remain hands-on clinically. You will play a key role in leading the nursing team, supporting clinical standards and contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.
- Leading and supporting the nursing team. Overseeing nurse consultations and inpatient care. Monitoring anaesthesia and surgical procedures. Supporting clinical coaching and nurse development. Ensuring high standards of patient and client care. Working collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and support staff. The role offers flexible working options between 30 and 40 hours per week and includes a 1 in 4 Saturday rota with no out-of-hours commitment.
Requirements
- RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse. Previous nursing experience within small animal practice. Leadership experience desirable but not essential. Passionate about high standards of patient and client care. Strong communication and teamworking skills. Motivated to support and develop colleagues.
- RCVS Registered (or soon to be)
- Possess the right to work in the United Kingdom
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- What Happens Next? CLICK APPLY NOW or if you have any questions before applying, or if this role isn't quite right for you, feel free to contact the Vet Seekers team to chat through your veterinary career aspirations in confidence.
- 📞 T: 0333 014 7374 📧 E: hello@vetseekers.co.uk 🌐 W: www.vetseekers.co.uk 💬 WhatsApp: 07542 919595 Your Privacy Matters – All conversations and applications are treated with the strictest confidence. As an ethical veterinary recruiter, we will never send your details anywhere without your permission. Why Choose Vet Seekers? Founded in 2016, Vet Seekers is a multi-award-winning specialist veterinary recruitment agency (2019–2025), acting as both an employment business and employment agency for locum and permanent veterinary roles across the UK and overseas.
- GDPR-compliant and ICO-registered
- Passionate about sustainability!
- Equal Opportunities Employer – We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities
- Thanks from all of us at Vet Seekers – we look forward to supporting you!
Benefits
- Salary up to £36,000 depending on experience. Flexible working opportunities. Generous CPD allowance with paid CPD days. Professional memberships paid. Private healthcare scheme. Enhanced maternity pay. Income protection. Pension scheme. Staff discounts on veterinary services and retail products.
- Located in Irvine, Ayrshire, the practice benefits from a great balance of coastal living, countryside access and good transport links across the wider region. The area offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to Glasgow and the surrounding Scottish countryside. If you would like further information about this Head Veterinary Nurse role in Irvine, Ayrshire, or would like to arrange a confidential and informal discussion, please get in touch.
Candidate fit notes
What to know before applying
The role has clear veterinary nursing or animal-care scope, with details candidates can compare against practice expectations.
Best fit if
- • on-site full-time candidates looking for veterinary nurse work
- • senior or leadership-level candidates
- • Candidates comparing rota, clinical scope, CPD, and practice setting
Check before applying
- • Check which requirements are mandatory versus preferred
- • Confirm rota, OOH/weekend expectations, CPD support, and whether professional fees are covered
Missing or unclear
The listing gives enough basic detail to compare against similar roles.
These notes are generated from the public job description and listing metadata. Confirm anything important with the employer before applying.