Branch Lead Nurse

Linnaeus; Cranbrook; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Cranbrook is seeking a Branch Lead RVN for a full-time role. This position involves managing a team of nurses while ensuring high clinical standards. The successful candidate will have at least 4 years of veterinary nursing experience, alongside strong clinical and leadership skills. Responsibilities include line management, overseeing rotas, and maintaining exceptional care standards. The role offers great benefits such as extensive training opportunities, generous holiday, and an employer pension contribution.

Benefits

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays

Career progression opportunities

Life Assurance

Enhanced sickness pay

Employer pension contribution

Wellness programme

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years veterinary nursing experience.
• Demonstrated strong clinical competence and confidence.
• Ability to build positive working relationships.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Veterinary nursing experience

Clinical competence and confidence

Leadership experience

Effective communication

Organizational skills

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.

• 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