Lead with confidence. Develop others. Deliver care you are proud of.
If you are ready to lead without losing the part of nursing you love
If you are an experienced RVN who enjoys supporting others, setting standards, and still being hands-on clinically, this role could be exactly what you have been working towards. Especially if you want leadership with structure, support, and time to do the job properly.
The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established, purpose-built small animal practice in Barnsley that has quietly built a reputation for calm, consistent, high-quality care. This is a Head Nurse role created for someone who wants to lead from the front, not from an office.
You would be guiding a committed nursing team that includes RVNs, students and VCAs, helping them grow in confidence, skill, and professionalism. This is not about firefighting or filling rota gaps every day. It is about shaping standards, supporting development, and being a visible, trusted leader on the floor.
The practice is part of a respected, independent, family-owned veterinary group, which means proper investment in people, facilities, and training, without losing the feeling of being a local team that knows its clients and patients well.
Why This Role Is Different
Facilities that support good nursing
You will be working in a modern, purpose-built clinic with a dedicated dental suite and a newly developed exotic ward. The setup allows nurses to use their skills properly, rather than working around limitations.
A team that wants to learn
Several colleagues are already working towards certificates and additional qualifications. Your role includes mentoring, coaching, and encouraging this progression, not having to push reluctant team members uphill.
Leadership with backing
You are not expected to figure everything out alone. Internal leadership training is provided, alongside clear structures from a wider group that understands how to develop Head Nurses, not just promote them.
A rota that respects your life
A four-day week with nine-hour shifts, a 1 in 4 weekend rota, and duty nights on rotation. Busy, yes, but predictable and fair, with proper planning.
Your Journey Here
In your first month
You will focus on settling in, building trust with the nursing team, understanding how the practice runs day to day, and getting comfortable with the systems and standards already in place.
By three months
You will be confidently leading the nursing team, supporting students and RVNs with development plans, and contributing ideas around workflow, patient care, and team wellbeing.
By six months
You will be a key leader within the practice, shaping nursing standards, supporting clinical progression, and making full use of leadership training and CPD to develop both yourself and your team.
What’s On Offer
Compensation and time off
- Salary from £33,000 to £40,000, depending on experience
- 4-day working week, 40 hours
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Professional development
- CPD allowance
- Internal leadership training
- Support for mentoring students and developing RVNs
Benefits that support real life
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Income protection
- Electric car scheme
- Health and wellbeing support
- Employee discounts and rewards scheme
- Surgery discount
The Candor Vets Difference
At Candor Vets, we do not push roles or rush decisions. We focus on listening, understanding what matters to you, and only introducing opportunities that genuinely fit.
Ready to Explore?
If this sounds like a role where you could lead with confidence, develop others, and still enjoy being a nurse, let’s have a confidential, no-pressure conversation.
Job Reference HRVN005