Job Description

If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.

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

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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

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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

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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

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

Salary & Benefits

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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

We are proud to be Linnaeus, part of Mars. Linnaeus is a forward-thinking group of highly respected primary care and specialist referral practices in the UK and Ireland. Being family owned and part of Mars Veterinary Health, the largest veterinary company in the world, allows us to focus on advancing the veterinary profession to provide industry-leading pet care and unique career opportunities for our people. Why Linnaeus? - We pride ourselves in offering high-quality excellence of service and clinical care for our clients and their pets - We lead on sustainability and collectively drive positive change for people, pets and the planet - We prioritise your mental health and wellbeing - valuing equity, diversity and inclusion - We support your personal and professional development with best-in-class career frameworks and training programmes. We will empower and support you to grow your career from day one. We team up within our Mars family in partnership for a stronger future. Linnaeus is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We treat each other fairly and equitably and we are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse for all our Associates. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply Button or for more information, please feel free to reach out directly to our Talent Acquisition team at careers@linnaeusgroup.co.uk