Branch Lead Nurse

Cinque Ports Veterinary Group; Cranbrook; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Cranbrook is seeking a Branch Lead RVN to provide clinical leadership and support to the veterinary nursing team. The successful candidate will manage nurse rotas, maintain clinical standards, and assist in administrative duties. Ideal candidates should have at least 4 years of veterinary nursing experience, and strong clinical and leadership skills. The role offers a dynamic work environment with a focus on team collaboration and pet care excellence.

Benefits

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays

Extensive free CPD program

Career progression opportunities

Staff discount schemes

Life Assurance

Enhanced sickness pay

Employer pension contribution

Wellness program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years veterinary nursing experience.
• Strong clinical competence including anaesthetic monitoring.
• Leadership experience preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Line management of nurses and student veterinary nurses.
• Oversight of nurse rotas and holiday planning.
• Maintaining clinical standards across the branch.

Skills

Clinical competence

Leadership skills

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Team player

Job description

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)

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