.Job Title: Head of Nursing Services
Salary: From £50,000 per annum
Location: Willows Veterinary Centre and Referrals, Solihull
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Nursing Services to lead and inspire our referral nursing teams at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referrals, our renowned multi-disciplinary referral hospital based in Solihull.
Our nursing team includes Team Leaders, Lead Nurses, experienced RVNs, Patient Care Assistants and Student Veterinary Nurses, all working collaboratively to deliver outstanding patient care.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior nurse leader ready to step into a highly strategic role within a busy, specialist referral environment. With continued growth across multiple disciplines, the position offers the opportunity to influence clinical standards, operational performance and service development at a senior level, while playing a key role in the ongoing success of the hospital.
As Head of Nursing Services, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), helping to shape the clinical, operational and financial performance of the hospital.
You will provide strong, visible leadership to the nursing teams, ensuring the highest standards of patient and client care, while driving service development, operational excellence and strategic growth aligned with practice and group objectives.
This role goes beyond day-to-day management — it offers the opportunity to shape the future direction of nursing services within one of the UK’s leading referral centres.
Act as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, advising on the nursing impact of strategic and operational decisions
Contribute to the development and delivery of the hospital’s strategic vision and nursing strategy
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to support operational effectiveness and business needs
Oversee the quality of patient care and clinical support provided to Veterinary Surgeons
Ensure nursing services align with practice and group strategy, meeting agreed KPIs and performance targets
Lead recruitment, induction, training, development and performance management across nursing teams
Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture
Represent the nursing function at Senior Leadership Team level
Lead and manage referral nursing teams, ensuring the efficient running of all clinical services
Support and develop Nursing Team Leaders in rota management, performance reviews and team development
Oversee patient flow systems to ensure efficient case management across the hospital
Promote excellence in clinical governance, incident reporting and quality improvement initiatives
Ensure compliance with RCVS, health & safety, GDPR and group policies
Collaborate closely with Veterinary Surgeons and non-clinical teams to maintain strong communication and operational cohesion
Contribute to budget management, financial planning and identification of efficiency opportunities
Support marketing initiatives such as open evenings and client events
Maintain exceptional clinical standards, stepping into hands-on nursing duties when required
You will be:
A Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with 5+ years’ experience in a leadership or management role
An experienced leader with a proven track record of managing large, complex nursing teams
Skilled in rota planning and resource management, ideally within a 24/7 or referral setting
Experienced in recruitment, induction, performance management, mentoring and coaching
Knowledgeable in clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
You will also demonstrate:
Strong leadership and team management capability
The ability to inspire and influence across professional boundaries
Financial awareness and understanding of business performance
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Calm, confident decision-making under pressure
A clear commitment to delivering outstanding patient and client care
Desirable qualifications include post-registration certificates, management qualifications, Clinical Coach experience or Mental Health First Aid training.
RCVS and VDS fees paid
BVNA membership paid
External CPD funded
Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
Career progression opportunities
Staff discount schemes
Life Assurance
Enhanced sickness pay
Enhanced equal family leave
E-car salary sacrifice scheme
Employer contribution pension scheme
Recruitment referral reward scheme
Wellness program including:
Employee assistance program
Eyecare voucher scheme
Free annual Flu jab
Cycle to work scheme
BE PART OF ONE OF THE UK'S LEADING SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARY CENTRES!
Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service is one of the leading small animal referral centres in the world, having been delivering the highest possible standard of pet healthcare for over 30 years.
Our vision is to provide an unrivalled clinical, patient, client and team experience that is recognised for excellence across the world. Our values centre around the care of our patients, our clients, our referring vets, each other, and the environment to make a Better World for Pets.
Willows is widely known for delivery of CPD, and we strongly encourage all our associates to continually develop their skills and knowledge. We employ over 250 associates working as part of an outstanding multi-disciplinary team led by internationally renowned Specialists. Our service teams include Orthopaedics, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Oncology, Soft Tissue Surgery, Cardiology, Dermatology, Emergency and Critical Care, Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Exotics, Dentistry, Diagnostic Imaging and Physiotherapy.
In-patient care is a priority and includes 24-hour veterinary and nursing cover, with support from a team of emergency vets and Interns. Our hospital facilities are of the highest quality, including on-site Siemens 64-slice CT, Siemens 1.5T MRI, two in-theatre mobile image intensifiers, two digital radiography rooms, ultrasonography, electro diagnostics, video endoscopy and an extensive range of advanced surgical equipment.
At Linnaeus, A Better World for Pets starts with a better world for our people. Our teams are empowered to grow, contribute and thrive, supported by a comprehensive wellbeing programme and a culture that values inclusivity, collaboration and excellence.
Salary Value: £50,000 per annum;
Salary Description: Salary depending on experience;