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- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic team of veterinary nurses and support staff.
- Company: Join Southfields Veterinary Specialists, a forward-thinking referral service.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, CPD opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary nursing while advancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team in a state-of-the-art facility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Southfields Veterinary Specialists
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Part-time, 32 hours per week
Overview
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.
The Role
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.
Career Development
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.
About You
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.
Essential Requirements
- 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
About Southfields
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 high-quality care in a friendly and supportive practice environment.
What We Offer
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Generous CPD allowance and allocated CPD days
- Access to extensive Linnaeus clinical and non-clinical CPD programmes
- Career development opportunities within Southfields and the wider Linnaeus network
- Pension scheme with employer contribution
- Life Assurance (4x salary)
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Eye care voucher scheme
- Annual flu vaccination
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff discount and benefits platform
At Linnaeus, we are committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of all our Associates, with access to Mental Health First Aiders and confidential wellbeing resources.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply button. For an informal discussion or more information about the role, please contact our Nursing Talent Acquisition Business Partner: Purvi Kataria at Purvi.Kataria@linnaeusgroup.co.uk. All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you require any support in completing your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.
Closing Date: Sunday 25 January 2026
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Essex employer: Cinque Ports Vets
Contact Detail:
Cinque Ports Vets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, especially those who work at Southfields or similar places. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to training and development in veterinary nursing. Think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and experience in mentoring others.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. It shows you're serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mentoring and developing others shine through. We want to see how much you care about advancing the skills of PCAs, SVNs, and PRP nurses!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in training or leadership roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate, so share examples that showcase your ability to lead a team effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate direct communication that gets to the heart of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Southfields.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cinque Ports Vets
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and practical skills. Be ready to discuss specific cases or experiences that highlight your expertise as an RVN, especially in a referral environment. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also a hands-on practitioner.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your approach to mentoring and coaching. Think of examples where you've successfully supported others in their development. Highlight how you inspire and motivate your team, aligning with the inclusive leadership qualities Southfields values.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since strong communication is key for this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on how you would explain complex concepts simply, as you’ll need to do this with your team.
✨Be Solution-Focused
Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Prepare to discuss your problem-solving strategies and how you implement sustainable improvements. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to continuous improvement in patient care.
