Branch Lead Nurse

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)

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

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.

• 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

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.

• 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs)
• 4 Client Care Associates (CCAs)
• 1 Branch Manager
• Supervision and mentorship of student nurses

• 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