At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with HR guidance and ensure fair processes across our veterinary surgeries.
- Company: Join an award-winning independent veterinary group dedicated to caring for pets and their people.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a supportive team, focused on mental health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who care for sick pets.
- Qualifications: 5-6 years HR experience and working towards CIPD Level 5.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are a growing independent veterinary group with 50 surgeries, united by a shared purpose: supporting the incredible people who dedicate their lives to caring for sick pets. Behind every great veterinary team is strong, compassionate support—and that’s where our HR team comes in. We are proud of the role we play in creating a supportive, fair, and positive working environment across our practices.
We’re looking for an experienced and approachable HR Executive to join our team, based across our Chatham and Maidstone surgeries. This is a hands-on, people-focused role where you’ll work closely with our HR Manager and colleagues to support our regional management teams across all areas of HR. You’ll be a trusted point of contact, helping managers navigate challenges while ensuring our processes remain fair, compliant, and supportive. This role would suit someone working towards CIPD Level 5, who enjoys being involved in the detail while also making a meaningful difference to people’s day-to-day working lives.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting managers across our surgeries with day-to-day HR guidance and advice
- Managing and supporting disciplinary processes, ensuring they are handled fairly, consistently, and in line with company policy and employment law
- Assisting with employee relations matters, including absence management and wellbeing support
- Preparing documentation and supporting tribunal hearings
- Responding to queries around reasonable adjustments with care and understanding
- Reviewing and updating HR policies to ensure compliance and best practice
- Helping ensure we stay aligned with UK employment law
- Supporting wider HR initiatives and projects across the group
- Maintaining accurate and confidential HR records
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
- At least 5-6 years’ experience in HR
- Experience in a multi-site organisation or one with 300+ employees
- Working towards CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)
- Solid understanding of UK employment law fundamentals
- Experience with:
- Disciplinary processes
- Tribunal preparation
- Absence management
- Policy development and compliance
Personal Qualities
- A resilient and calm approach, even when handling sensitive situations
- Genuine empathy and a people-first mindset
- The ability to build trust and strong relationships with managers and colleagues
- A practical, organised approach with great attention to detail
- Confidence in communicating clearly and professionally
Why This Role Matters
The veterinary profession can be incredibly rewarding—but also emotionally demanding. Mental health and wellbeing are real and important challenges within our industry. In this role, you’ll be supporting people who care deeply about what they do. Your work will help ensure they feel supported, heard, and treated fairly—so they can continue doing what they do best. And while the work can be challenging, it’s also incredibly meaningful. You’ll be part of a team that helps make a genuine difference behind the scenes.
Additional Information
- This is a fully office-based role (no home working)
- You will be based across our Chatham and Maidstone sites
- Full-time, 40 hours per week - 8:30am–5:00pm
About Us
At DNA Vetcare, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer careers with heart, purpose, and endless possibilities. As an independent, award-winning veterinary group, we are redefining pet care across the UK. Our ethos is simple yet powerful: Caring, Professional, Service. Our mission? To provide the highest standards of veterinary care while nurturing and empowering our teams. Whether your passion lies in clinical excellence, leadership, or personal growth, we create opportunities tailored to your ambitions. We are expanding our exceptional team—and we’re looking for the best. If you thrive in a dynamic, well-equipped, and incredibly supportive environment, where no two days are the same and the caseload is as diverse as your interests, then this is the place for you. Whether your expertise lies in soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics, internal medicine, ultrasound, ophthalmology, critical care, dermatology, exotics, or customer service, we actively encourage further qualifications and provide the challenging caseloads to support your growth. Founded in 2006, our surgeries remain proudly independent, and are still led by our two founders who are experienced and passionate veterinary surgeons with years of hands-on expertise. We understand what it takes to create a fulfilling, rewarding, and inspiring career in veterinary medicine.
HR Executive in Maidstone employer: DNA Vetcare
At DNA Vetcare, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being and professional growth of our team members. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and empathy, ensuring that every employee feels heard and valued while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who care for sick pets. With opportunities for career advancement and a commitment to maintaining high standards of veterinary care, our Chatham and Maidstone locations offer a dynamic environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Executive in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since we’re all about supporting our teams, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your people-first mindset and how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at DNA Vetcare.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Executive in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the HR Executive role. Highlight your experience in multi-site organisations and any relevant CIPD qualifications to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for supporting people in the veterinary field and how your background aligns with our mission. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your People Skills:In HR, it’s all about relationships. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to build trust and communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DNA Vetcare
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law fundamentals and the specific HR processes mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss disciplinary processes, tribunal preparation, and absence management confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Show Your People Skills
This role is all about supporting people, so be ready to demonstrate your empathy and ability to build trust. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated sensitive situations or helped colleagues feel supported. This will highlight your people-first mindset.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented
Since the role involves managing documentation and maintaining accurate HR records, come prepared to discuss how you stay organised. Share specific tools or methods you use to keep track of important information and ensure compliance with policies. This will show that you have a practical approach to HR.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company culture, HR initiatives, or how they support employee wellbeing. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
