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.
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.
The Role
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.
Main Purpose & Goals
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
Key Responsibilities
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
About You
You will be:
A Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with 5+ years' experience within a leadership position, preferably within a busy, multi-disciplinary environment, however 5+ 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 outstanding patient and client care
Desirable qualifications include post-registration certificates, management qualifications, Clinical Coach experience or Mental Health First Aid training.
Benefits
£1000 Welcome bonus- for direct applicants only
5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
RCVS and VDS fees paid
Funded external CPD
Enhanced Equal Family Leave
Wellness programme including:
Employee assistance program
Eyecare voucher scheme
Free annual Flu jab
Cycle to work scheme
Veterinary Specialists Scotland is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.
At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You'll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.
We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you need any support in completing your application or simply want to find out more about Veterinary Specialists Scotland, Linnaeus or the role please contact our TA partner Rebecca Coleman on