At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of veterinary nurses and ensure exceptional pet care standards.
- Company: Join Cinque Ports, part of the Linnaeus group, a leader in veterinary care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years of veterinary nursing experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33200 - 33200 £ 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: £33,200 (depending on experience) £1000 joining bonus!!
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
About Linnaeus
Linnaeus is part of Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned allows us to focus on long-term investment in our people, facilities, and patient care.
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 Cinque Ports, Linnaeus or the role please contact our Talent Acquisition team.
How to Apply
To apply, click "Apply Now" or contact Purvi Kataria for more information or a confidential discussion.
Lead Veterinary Nurse in Hawkhurst employer: VCA Inc.
At Linnaeus, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of our team. As a Lead Veterinary Nurse at our Cinque Ports Branch, you will benefit from extensive career progression opportunities, a comprehensive wellness programme, and a commitment to professional development within a modern, well-equipped environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on pet care while enjoying a fulfilling career with a family-owned company that values long-term investment in its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Nurse in Hawkhurst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Cinque Ports and the people who work there. Follow them on social media, check out their website, and see if you can connect with current employees on LinkedIn. This will help you understand their culture and values, making it easier to show how you fit in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to veterinary nursing and leadership. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and get feedback.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for veterinary nursing shine through. Talk about why you love working with animals and how you can contribute to the team at Cinque Ports. Remember, they want someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely cares about the work.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re professional and courteous!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Nurse in Hawkhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for veterinary nursing shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for caring for pets and supporting your team. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Veterinary Nurse role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in clinical settings and leadership roles. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to reach out to our Talent Acquisition team—we're here to support you!
How to prepare for a job interview at VCA Inc.
✨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 competence confidently will show that you're ready for the Lead Veterinary Nurse role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Even if you haven't held a formal leadership position before, think of examples where you've guided or mentored others. Be prepared to share how you can support and inspire your team at Cinque Ports.
✨Be Organised
With responsibilities like managing rotas and drug stock control, organisation is key. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in the past, and be ready to discuss your strategies for staying on top of everything.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a Lead Veterinary Nurse, you'll need to liaise with colleagues, clients, and referring vets. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and consider how you can demonstrate your friendly and approachable manner during the interview.
