At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team while providing exceptional care for pets in a modern veterinary practice.
- Company: Join Linnaeus, part of Mars Veterinary Health, 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
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.
Senior Veterinary Nurse & Team Leader 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 members. As a Senior Veterinary Nurse & Team Leader 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 competitive benefits and a strong sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Nurse & Team Leader in Hawkhurst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, especially those at Linnaeus. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your clinical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported your team and maintained high standards of care.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for animal care! During your discussions, let your love for pets and commitment to their wellbeing shine through. It’s what we’re all about at Linnaeus!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Veterinary Nurse & Team Leader in Hawkhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Senior Veterinary Nurse & Team Leader role. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves line management and team support, don’t forget to emphasise any leadership experience you have. Share examples of how you've mentored others or contributed to a positive team culture – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Talent Acquisition team!
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 specific cases or experiences will show your clinical competence and confidence.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Even if you haven't held a formal leadership position before, think of times when you've mentored or supported colleagues. Be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to team dynamics and helped others grow.
✨Be Organised
With the role involving management of rotas and stock control, demonstrate your organisational skills. Bring along any tools or methods you use to stay organised, and be prepared to discuss how you handle multiple tasks efficiently.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills, as this role requires liaising with clients and colleagues. Think about how you can convey complex information clearly and build positive relationships within the team. A friendly, approachable manner goes a long way!
