At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of veterinary nurses while providing exceptional care for pets.
- Company: Join Cinque Ports, a modern veterinary practice with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, career progression, and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 4 years of veterinary nursing experience and strong clinical competence required.
- Other info: Be part of a small, vibrant team with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 37000 ÂŁ per year.
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: ÂŁ33,200 (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.
- 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 programme
- 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 programme including: Employee assistance programme, Eyecare voucher scheme, Free annual flu jab, Cycle to work scheme
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
Branch Lead Nurse in Cranbrook employer: Linnaeus
Contact Detail:
Linnaeus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Branch Lead Nurse in Cranbrook
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. 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 interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary nursing. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams or mentoring others. Highlighting your ability to support and guide colleagues will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Cinque Ports team.
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Lead Nurse in Cranbrook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Branch Lead Nurse role. Highlight your veterinary nursing experience, leadership skills, and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about veterinary nursing and how your experience aligns with our values at Cinque Ports. Keep it friendly and professional!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love team players! In your application, mention any experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others or led a team. This will help us see how you can contribute to our branch culture.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary nursing knowledge, especially around anaesthetic monitoring and routine procedures. Being able to discuss your clinical experience confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Even if you haven't held a Lead Nurse position before, think about times you've taken charge or mentored others. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported your team and maintained high standards in your previous roles.
✨Be Organised
Since this role involves managing rotas and overseeing various tasks, demonstrate your organisational skills. Bring along any tools or methods you use to stay organised, and be prepared to discuss how you handle multiple responsibilities effectively.
✨Connect with the Team
Cinque Ports values a friendly and approachable manner, so be sure to showcase your communication skills. Think about how you can build positive relationships within the team and be ready to discuss how you contribute to a supportive work culture.