Head of Nursing Services

Job Title: Head of Nursing Services
Salary: From £50,000 per annum, plus £1000 welcome bonus (direct applicants only)
Location: Veterinary Specialists Scotland, Livingston
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Nursing Services to lead and inspire our referral nursing teams at Veterinary Specialists Scotland, our purpose‑built, multi‑disciplinary referral hospital in Livingston. Our nursing team includes Team leaders, Lead nurses, experienced RVNs, Patient care assistants and Student veterinary nurses.

This is an exciting opportunity for a nurse leader ready to step into a highly strategic position within a 24/7 state‑of‑the‑art facility. With recent expansions in the medicine and surgery teams and continued growth of the neurology service, the role offers the chance to influence clinical standards, operational performance, and service development at a senior level while contributing meaningfully to the hospital’s continued growth and success.

As Head of Nursing Services, you will form a key part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), shaping the clinical, operational and financial performance of the hospital.

You will provide strong, visible leadership to our 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 is a role where your influence will extend beyond day‑to‑day operations – you will help shape the future direction of nursing services within a growing, ambitious referral hospital.

• 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
• Ensure continuous improvement initiatives support operational effectiveness and business needs
• Oversee the quality of patient care and clinical assistance 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 the 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 efficient running of all clinical services
• Support and develop Nursing Team Leaders, enabling them to deliver effective 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 policy requirements
• 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 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 within a leadership position, preferably within a busy, multi‑disciplinary environment. Five years of experience in leadership/management is most critical; the referral aspect of the role can be taught.
• An experienced leader with a proven track record managing large, complex nursing teams
• Skilled in rota planning and resource management within a 24/7 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 across professional boundaries
• Financial awareness and an understanding of business performance
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Calm, confident decision‑making under pressure
• A clear commitment to delivering…