Department: Veterinary Nursing
Location: Cinque Ports Branch
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Hours & Rota: 40 hours/week, 5 days, 8-hour shifts, weekend work compensated with time off in lieu or pay
Salary: £33,200 (depending on experience)

Company Overview

Cinque Ports is a fully equipped first-opinion veterinary practice, part of the wider Linnaeus group of practices. We provide outstanding care for pets, supported by dedicated veterinary professionals in a modern, well-equipped environment.

Facilities include:

• Clean surgeries and treatment rooms
• Dental suite with dental X-ray
• Ultrasound facilities
• In-house blood analysis
• Ophthalmology capabilities

Role Overview

The Branch Lead RVN is a pivotal clinical leadership role at Cinque Ports Hawkhurst, responsible for supporting the branch team while maintaining exceptional standards of care. This individual will line-manage nurses and students, oversee clinical rotas, and ensure high-quality nursing and clinical standards are maintained.

The role combines 90% clinical and 10% administrative duties, offering a dynamic and varied work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Line management of nurses and student veterinary nurses, including guidance, mentoring, and performance support
• Oversight of nurse rotas and holiday planning
• Management of CD cupboard, drug stock control, and health & safety standards
• Maintaining clinical standards across the branch, including anaesthetic monitoring, nurse consultations, and routine clinical procedures
• Performing administrative duties such as reporting, filing, and liaising with external companies
• Ensuring smooth workflow and supporting colleagues across the practice
• Supporting team building and branch culture, including participation in regular meetings, “meet the team” days, and social activities

Person Specification

The successful candidate will:

• Have a minimum of 4 years veterinary nursing experience
• Demonstrate strong clinical competence and confidence, including anaesthetic monitoring and routine procedures
• Have some leadership experience (previous Lead Nurse experience not essential)
• Be highly organised and able to work on their own initiative
• Maintain a friendly, professional, and approachable manner
• Be an effective communicator with colleagues, clients, and referring vets
• Be a team player with the ability to build positive working relationships within the branch and wider Cinque Ports team

This is a hands-on role within a small, dynamic team, so leadership skills and clinical confidence are essential.

Team Structure

• 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs)
• 4 Client Care Associates (CCAs)
• 1 Branch Manager
• Supervision and mentorship of student nurses

Salary & Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays
• Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
• Career progression opportunities (Branch CNM, Branch Manager, and wider Linnaeus roles)
• Staff discount schemes
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Employer pension contribution
• Wellness program including:
  • Employee assistance program
  • Eyecare voucher scheme
  • Free annual flu jab
  • Cycle to work scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme