Learning & Development Lead

If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.

Location: Southfields Veterinary Specialists
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Part-time, 32 hours per week

Would you like the opportunity to mentor, teach and support our Patient Care Assistants (PCA), Student Veterinary Nurses (SVN), and Pre and Post Registration (PRP) Nurses to advance their knowledge, experience, and practical skills? Do you enjoy welcoming and supporting new associates through a structured induction programme? Are you ready to take the next step into a leadership role?

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RVN to play a key role in the ongoing development of the Southfields nursing team.

As Lead RVN – Training and Development, you will be responsible for the effective leadership and representation of the student nursing team and the post‑registration programme nursing team.

You will work closely and collaboratively with the Head of Nursing Services (HONS) and other team leaders to ensure the efficient delivery of outstanding patient care through active coaching, training, and mentorship of PCAs, SVNs, and PRP nurses.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Supporting the recruitment, development, and performance of preceptors, clinical supervisors, and mentors

• Co‑ordinating training and standardisation in collaboration with the central development team

• Maintaining Southfields’ training practice status, including scheduling degree SVN placements

• Co‑ordinating working rotas and off‑the‑job training

In addition to training and development responsibilities, you will actively contribute to the clinical rota, including participation in the senior nursing team weekend rota. This will involve leading efficiencies through effective scheduling, case throughput, forward planning, and clear communication.

You will co‑ordinate associate breaks, allocate cases based on nursing skill set, and make timely, informed decisions to support strong clinical and operational performance. Your leadership will ensure resources are optimised, patient care standards are upheld, and the team feels supported and motivated.

This position plays a significant role in the growth and advancement of the Southfields nursing team as the hospital continues to expand services within its 40,000 sq. ft. state‑of‑the‑art referral facility.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into leadership, supported by the Southfields Senior Leadership Team. Experience working in a referral environment would be advantageous.

This role requires strong, inclusive and decisive leadership, clear communication, and the ability to inspire and motivate others in line with the Southfields and Linnaeus nursing strategy.

You will demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge, understanding, and practical nursing skills, leading by example and ensuring evidence‑based nursing practice remains central to team delivery.

You will adopt a solution‑focused mindset, proactively identifying challenges and implementing sustainable improvements. Strong critical thinking and collaborative skills are essential to support clinician governance processes, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in patient care standards.

• Right to work in the UK

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

• Excellent written and spoken English

• Strong communication skills and professional approach

• Experience in a referral environment desirable but not essential

Southfields is the new name in referral services. This is an exciting time to join a forward‑thinking and highly motivated team, supported by the Linnaeus Group, with significant investment in innovative services, a contemporary state‑of‑the‑art working environment, and a strong commitment to personal and career development.

With an excellent support structure in place, you will be able to focus on delivering…